In the context of astronauts and space exploration, “space skin” might refer to the outer layer or design of a spacesuit. Spacesuits are specifically designed to protect astronauts from the harsh environment of space, including extreme temperatures, micrometeoroids, and radiation. The outer layer, often made of a durable material like Nomex or Kevlar, serves as a protective “skin” for the astronaut.
According to a study from the University of Surrey and Airbus Defence and Space, a novel nano-barrier coating may help shield extremely light carbon composite materials from harsh conditions in space.
The newly added functionality to previously created “space skin” structures gives an additional layer of defense to assist keep space payloads operational while they are traveling through space, much like having its very own sturdy ultralight protective jacket.
Current aluminium shielding is not thermally stable or fully conformal, and therefore usually undesired for stable structures. Not to mention that aluminium shielding contributes to the mass and cost of satellites. Our nano-barrier addresses these issues and is a promising upgrade to the industry standard which could become a key accessory to all space and aircraft structures that are both mobile and static.
Professor Ravi Silva
The study team has demonstrated that their ground-breaking nano-barrier would significantly improve carbon fiber materials’ stability while minimizing radiation damage.
Professor Ravi Silva, corresponding author of the study and Director of the Advanced Technology Institute (ATI) at the University of Surrey, said:
“Current aluminium shielding is not thermally stable or fully conformal, and therefore usually undesired for stable structures. Not to mention that aluminium shielding contributes to the mass and cost of satellites. Our nano-barrier addresses these issues and is a promising upgrade to the industry standard which could become a key accessory to all space and aircraft structures that are both mobile and static.”
The coating, which adds no more than 1 μm of thickness and has an extremely dense superlattice structure, is applied to carbon fiber materials at room temperature. This keeps the products lightweight.
