Form 9.B Project Summary

Chron:

971379

Proposal Number:

22.02-0003

Project Title:

Light-weight Structural Materials with

Integral Radiation Shielding, Thermal

Control and Electronics

Technical Abstract (Limit 200 words)

Physical Sciences Inc., Textron, and TRW propose

to develop composite load-bearing materials that

provide space radiation shielding, incorporate

active or passive thermal control, and allow

embedding/integrating electronics and sensors into

the structure. These integrated materials are 25 to

40% lighter than aluminum for the same radiation

attenuation. We conceive the next generation

satellite not as a structure enclosing and protecting

from radiation complex subassemblies of sensitive

electronics, but as an integrated structure, without

parasitic cables/connectors, and with multifunctional

components. Implementation of this concept

requires new materials which provide greater

functionality per unit mass and more versatility

than currently employed. Furthermore, the new

materials must also be cost effective; i.e., greater

functionality per unit dollar. In Phase I, we will

develop design concepts for new composite

materials concepts, fabricate samples, perform

charged particle attenuation and mechanical

property testing, and recommend promising

concepts for optimization in Phase II. Our materials

development plan will lead to flight demonstration

hardware at the end of Phase II. We will build upon

our USAF Phillips/Wright Laboratories work on

light-weight radiation shielding, TRW will leverage

off their work for NASA Langley on advanced

space structures and provide electronics integration

expertise, with Textron providing expertise in

manufacturing of integrated composites.

Potential Commercial Applications (Limit 200 words)

The technology of multifunctional composite

materials has wide ranging applications to

spacecraft structures and electronic systems

throughout the industry, for both military and

commercial satellites. The benefits of reduced mass

and lower manufacturing costs for the same or

greater functionality should be particularly useful to

the communications satellite business. The

radiation shielding properties of proposed materials

are potentially useful in instrumentation used in

monitoring hazardous nuclear waste sites and in

radiation therapy hardware.

Name and Address of Principal Investigator (Name,

Organization Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Prakash B. Joshi

Physical Sciences Inc.

20 New England Business Center

Andover , MA 01810-1077

Name and Address of Offeror (Firm Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

George E. Caledonia

Physical Sciences, Inc.

20 New England Business Center

Andover , MA 01810-1077