Developing a Material Response Model of Biopolymer-Stabilized Regolith to Predict Micrometeoroid Damage of ISRU Habitat Systems

The proposed space technology research aims to investigate the micrometeorite impact performance of Regolith Biocomposite (RBC), an innovative in-situ material technology that uses biopolymers to stabilize planetary or lunar regolith. This research addresses priorities described in TABS 7.1.4.10 "Application of Polymers to the Soil for Dust Passivation and/or Soil Stabilization" (currently TRL 3). RBC has been proposed as material for building stable landing pads, pavements that prevent dust levitation, and radiation and micrometeorite impact shielding for habitats. In principle, the use of this material could enable far-term capabilities by reducing mission reliance on materials and structures that would otherwise be fabricated on Earth. By testing and simulating RBC in a relevant micrometeorite environment, this research achieves the goal of advancing the technology readiness level of RBC from TRL 3 to TRL 5. This goal will be accomplished by focusing on three objectives: (1) defining the range of micrometeorite velocities relevant to proposed exploration destinations, (2) characterizing the impact performance of RBC through experimental hypervelocity impact (HVI) testing, and (3) developing a material response model of RBC using hydrodynamic code (hydrocode) computations. By testing and simulating RBC in a micrometeorite environment, this research will yield crucial insights into the durability and life expectancy of RBC as an ISRU construction material. The outcome of the proposed material response model and hydrocode will be a micrometeorite simulation tool that will allow NASA mission designers to predict damage of critical surface systems over a mission's duration, and ultimately make design decisions that reduce the risk of a catastrophic failure. This project will address NASA Roadmap TA-7 and TA-12, and help NASA achieve its goals of making space exploration more effective, sustainable, safe, and affordable.

The outcome of the proposed material response model and hydrocode will be a micrometeorite simulation tool that will allow NASA mission designers to predict damage of critical surface systems over a mission's duration, and ultimately make design decisions that reduce the risk of a catastrophic failure. This project will address NASA Roadmap TA-7 and TA-12, and help NASA achieve its goals of making space exploration more effective, sustainable, safe, and affordable.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — 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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