The resultant product from this SBIR task will be a validated EVA Helmet. NASA will be able to utilize this component for government spacesuits requiring EVA Helmets. In addition to the end product, manufacturing advances will be made in the forming and coating of large hemispherical polycarbonate domes. This process can be utilized for windows on pressurized space structures such as rovers, habitats, space stations, etc. Long duration missions such as planetary exploration will utilize pressurized habitats and structures that allow crewmembers to operate in a shirtsleeve environment. Windows will need to be treated with radiation attenuating coatings to prevent cumulative exposure to harmful radiation. This coating will be shown to be capable of being applied to large hemispherical surfaces during this SBIR.
Similar to the NASA commercial application, it is believed the coating of windows with the AEHA Protective Visor coating will have merit in commercial space activities. The fabrication process developed in this SBIR will yield larger, stress concentration free, optical structures capable of providing radiation protection, impact protection and pressure retention. These optical structures can aid long duration pressurized commercial space structures (rovers, space stations, habitats); allowing habitants to operate in a shirtsleeve environment for long durations safely and efficiently without fear of cumulative radiation exposure.
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