Space Environmental Testing for Space Materials Characterization
Abstract
Space represents an extreme environment for spacecraft materials and systems. Materials showing promise for future U.S. Air Force (USAF) and Space Force (USSF) needs—particularly advanced and novel materials that exhibit superior structural, functional, and-or multifunctional performance—must be assessed and evaluated for their reaction to exposure to the space environment, before being baselined for inclusion into critical space infrastructure. Ground-based testing of materials and systems under simulated space environmental conditions can assure mission success. There is a critical need for more and higher-fidelity space-environmental testing capability within academia to support fundamental research into materials compatible with the harsh space environment, as well as to investigate mitigation techniques for materials in such environments. This DURIP will augment existing space-environmental testing capabilities at Penn State, helping to address the critical shortage of space testing capabilities within academia. These augmented facilities will support USAF-USSF research objectives, as well as those of other government agencies, other academic partners, and the critical private space industry.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 06, 2024
- Source ID
- FA95502310343
Entities
People
- Sven Bilén
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Pennsylvania State University
- United States Air Force