Innovations for the Affordable Conductive Thermal Control Material Systems for Space Applications

This proposal is submitted to develop and validate the innovative concept for the affordable conductive thermal control material systems that are proven feasible during phase I efforts. The reproducibility and optimization of the material processing, the space environment stability, of the affordable multifunctional thermal control material system (TCMS) that can be applied to space hardware and can enables the hardware to carry higher leakage current are planned to receive attention in phase II study. The suggested efforts emphasize developments in two material science areas: the first one considers the development of intercalated boron nitride nano structure that includes nanotubes and nano mesh and the second area proposes the synthesis and processing of various compounds with proton and electron conductivity along with its plasma sprayable versions. The matured material system that integrates these technology aspects can allow higher leakage currents at affordable costs. Thus the envisioned affordable material systems validation efforts can provide the needed reliable TCMS in typical space environments in (LEO), (GEO) & beyond. The reliability goal for the affordable conductive TCMS are: a design life of > 10 years in LEO and > 15 years in GEO, and we anticipate the developments to mature by end of phase II ready for the hardware demonstration.

The Phase II can have greatest impact on the NASA missions that need white (low aS/eT) conductive TCMS coatings with needed current carrying capability. The candidate missions that can benefit from this technology uniquely are: Cube Sats Program, W-FIRST, DAVINCI, PACE, LANDSAT 9. It may also provide unique benefits to future missions like Europa and Mars 2020. Its affordable contributions to Cube Sat program can be timely and significant.

The DOD and Commercial missions need products that can benefit from this technology uniquely are: DOD Cube Sats Program for High Radiation Environments, Survivable Second surface mirrors and TCMS that meet NRO hardening goals. Its affordable contributions to DOD and Commercial Cube Sat program can be timely and significant

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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