NASA 1996 SBIR Phase I

PROJECT TITLE : Thin Film Coating to Protect FEP Teflon from Soft X-rays, Atomic Oxygen, and ESD

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Astral Technology Unlimited, Inc. (ATU) proposes to deposit, onto fluorinated-ethylene-propylene (FEP) thermal control materials, a slightly conductive metal oxide thin film that absorbs soft x-rays and resists atomic oxygen (A.O.) attack. ATU will also deposit the metal oxide film with a PTFE fluoropolymer filling to make the film more flexible and extensible. The protective coating is nonflammable, non-toxic, has low off gassing characteristics, and should prove stable in the synergistic effects of the natural space environment. The coating will attenuate x-rays of ten angstroms or longer, greatly reduce the effects of A.O. combined with VUV radiation, and prevent electro-static discharge (ESD) when grounded. This protective coating will ensure nominal optical and physical properties throughout the life of a spacecraft and allow the continued use of FEP Teflon for high performance radiator surfaces, solar concentrator power generation, and general spacecraft thermal control surfaces.

Commercial Low Earth Orbit spacecraft systems involving hundreds of spacecraft for various types of communication are either in the fabrication process or are being planned over the next 5 to 10 years. The thin film coating proposed in this Phase I SBIR would allow the continued use of FEP Teflon For Thermal Control and Solar Concentrators without performance degradation over the life of the spacecraft.

Eugene Hildreth,
Astral Technology Unlimited, Inc.,
2103 Hidden Valley Rd., Northfield, MN 55057

Astral Technology Unlimited, Inc.,
2103 Hidden Valley Road, Northfield, MN 55057