Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer
Carbon Fiber Reinforced, Zero CME Composites
Project Description
Technical Abstract: This project proposes to develop moisture insensitive, high performance, carbon fiber laminates for future missions. Current space-qualified resins swell as moisture is absorbed. Eliminating moisture induced swelling (i.e. strain) will permit reallocation of telescope error budget and simplify integration and test activities. A relatively simple laminate production process is envisioned where eutectic alloy will replace traditional polymer resin matrix. In terms of strain, eutectic alloys are insensitive to moisture absorption and possess tailorable properties. Key fiber and alloy adjustments will achieve the best blend between laminate moisture insensitivity, thermal and structural properties.
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Anticipated Benefits
Telescope metering structures, optical benches, deployable precision booms, and reflectors for classified remote sensing, military and commercial communications and imagery satellites.
Telescope metering structures, optical benches, deployable precision booms, and reflectors for astrophysics, earth observing, and planet finding missions including: SAFIR, TPF, ATLAST, SPECS, UVOIR, ACE, and DESDYNI. Ground-based submillimeter telescope truss tubes and primary mirror panels for CCAT. More »
Telescope metering structures, optical benches, deployable precision booms, and reflectors for astrophysics, earth observing, and planet finding missions including: SAFIR, TPF, ATLAST, SPECS, UVOIR, ACE, and DESDYNI. Ground-based submillimeter telescope truss tubes and primary mirror panels for CCAT. More »
Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vanguard Composites Group, Inc. | Lead Organization | Industry | San Diego, California |
| Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) | Supporting Organization | FFRDC/UARC | Pasadena, California |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
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California
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This is a historic project that was completed before the creation of TechPort on October 1, 2012. Available data has been included. This record may contain less data than currently active projects.