Supporting NASA's Kennedy and Johnson Space Centers, this project's technologies directly address requirements for simplified but effective repair techniques for Space Launch System composite fairings, skirts, and tanks. This project's technologies offer reduced infrastructure footprint, reduced time for preparation, and reduced time for complete repair to enable minimal delays in vehicle launch if a repair is deemed necessary. Potential NASA missions that could utilize the proposed technology include Space Launch System, Orion, and Commercial Crew Program for launch vehicles as well as launch support structures.
This project's technologies, developed for NASA systems, would directly apply to systems operated by other government and commercial enterprises. Government systems that would derive the same benefits would include helicopters, UAVs, engine fan structures, and fighter and cargo aircraft in need of quick repair operated by the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force and foreign governments. DoD programs that could potentially use the proposed technology include the Air Force LCAAT platform and the Army AH-64 Apache. This technology's attributes for rapid, "in-field" repair should yield a high potential for private sector commercialization for commercial space launch vehicles by SpaceX, United Launch Alliance, or Orbital ATK; and use for a wide variety of aerospace MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) organizations who need a rapid repair for time critical AOG (aircraft on ground) situations. Boeing has expressed interest in this repair technology for their military and commercial aerospace applications as well as multiple MRO organizations. Repair of wind blade and marine composite structures also has high application potential, as well as automotive composite structures on vehicles like the Corvette.
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