Atomic Oxygen Resistant Films for Multi-Layer Insulation

Abstract

A series of advanced polymer films from Triton Systems is being developed to meet the challenges of harsh space environmental effects, lighter weight requirements and superior thermal control performance demands. With support from NASA, Triton Systems Inc has developed advanced new materials for thermal control films with exceptional properties and durability in the space environment. These films known as TOR™ and TOR-LM™ are amber coloured, mechanically sound, produced in continuous rolls and have undergone substantial ground-based simulation and confirming space validation tests. These films are highly resistant to atomic oxygen erosion, and have excellent vacuum ultraviolet radiation stability in ground-based simulation tests. Two applications for these films include large inflatable structures that are either deployed in low earth orbit (LEO) or travel through a LEO orbit into higher orbits, and as outer metallized layers in multi-layer insulation (MLI) blankets. This paper discusses the processing of these advanced materials into thin films, metallization of the films and characterization of their environmental durability as well as other physical, optical, thermal and mechanical properties.