Jan 17 2023Reviewed by Skyla Baily
According to research conducted by the University of Surrey and Airbus Defence and Space, a “space skin” might help protect spacecraft and satellites from intense solar radiation while also storing energy for future use in the craft’s mission.
Image Credit: Getty
The researchers demonstrated that their novel nano coating, known as the Multifunctional Nanobarrier Structure (MFNS), can lower the operating temperatures of space-qualified systems from 120 °C to 60 °C.
Researchers demonstrated that the MFNS could be used in conjunction with a craft’s sensors and sophisticated composite materials using a custom-built room temperature application system.
Space is a wondrous but dangerous place for us humans and other human-made structures. While solutions already on the market offer protection, they are bulky and can be restrictive when it comes to thermal control. Our new nano barrier is able to not only provide radiation and thermal protection but also harvest energy for use at a later date.
Ravi Silva, Study Corresponding Author, Professor and Director, Advanced Technology Institute, University of Surrey
Related StoriesUsing Scanning Microwave Impedance Microscopy for Nanoscale Mapping of Permittivity and ConductivityFrom Nautilus to Nanobo(a)ts: The Visual Construction of NanoscienceHigh-Resolution, Quantitative Work Function Measurements with PeakForce Kelvin Probe Microscopy (KPFM)To guarantee that their payloads function properly, spacecraft must account for large changes in solar illumination and space radiation. The temperature of the spacecraft is kept stable by skillfully balancing radiation and external weather with heat produced internally. Atomic oxygen (AO) is formed when oxygen molecules break apart, a process that takes place easier in space due to the presence of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. AO then reacts with and degrades organic surfaces on spacecraft.
The MSFN is composed of a poly(p-xylylene) buffer layer and a diamond-like-carbon superlattice layer to provide a mechanically and environmentally ultra-stable platform.
This implies the MSFN can shield a craft from AO and UV radiation. Because of its dielectric nature (transparent across a broad range of radio frequencies), it may also be coated on extremely sensitive payloads and structures, like antennas, without affecting performance appreciably.
Surprisingly, the researchers discovered that it is possible to change how much AO and UV a craft can absorb and harvest when in low-Earth orbit.
“Our collaborative research with the University of Surrey has again proved fruitful with this latest development of a coating to protect satellites in orbit,” states Paolo Bianco, Global R&T Cooperation Manager at Airbus Defence and Space.
The University of Surrey has a long and productive partnership with Airbus. Whether developing state-of-the-art nanostructures to help protect spacecraft or producing world-leading electric space thrusters with the Surrey Space Centre, this is a relationship that our local region and indeed the country should be proud of.
Ravi Silva, Study Corresponding Author, Professor and Director, Advanced Technology Institute, University of Surrey
Journal Reference
Delkowski, M., et al. (2023) Multifunctional Nanostructures with Controllable Band Gap Giving Highly Stable Infrared Emissivity for Smart Thermal Management. ACS Nano. doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.2c09737.
Source: https://www.surrey.ac.uk
