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Fiber Optic Systems for Light Curing Rigidization of Inflatable Structures

Award Information

Agency:
National Aeronautics and Space Administration 		Branch:
N/A 		Award ID:
68937 		Program Year/Program:
2004 / SBIR
Agency Tracking Number:
035570 		Solicitation Year:
N/A 		Solicitation Topic Code:
N/A 		Solicitation Number:
N/A
Small Business Information
Adherent Technologies, Inc.
5505 Foothills Canyon NE Albuquerque, NM 87111-8346
View profile »
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
 
Phase 1
Fiscal Year: 2004
Title: Fiber Optic Systems for Light Curing Rigidization of Inflatable Structures
Agency: NASA
Contract: NNL04AB44P
Award Amount: $69,999.00
 

Abstract:

Light (UV and visible) curing composite matrix resins are being explored as an attractive means for rigidizing inflatable spacecraft for large space-deployed structures such as solar sails, radar and communications antennas, radiometers, and solar arrays. Light curing provides a controlled, clean, low power rigidization technology to harden these inflatable spacecraft once they have achieved the required shape. The Phase I program will address the potential use of leaky fiber optics incorporated into the composite structure to provide cure illumination from a diode laser. Fiber optics are a potentially attractive alternative to illumination using LEDs. The advantage is that the fiber optics can be intimately commingled with the composite fibers and matrix resin so that the light located right in the area to be cured. Additionally, a single diode laser can illuminate numerous fiber optics, resulting in a potential weight savings and risk reduction. Matrix chemistry will be formulated to be compatible with the fiber optic illumination system and cure in the space environment using photocurable cationic epoxies. Thermal reversibility of photocured composites and the potential for self repair of misshapen structures will also be addressed. Sample composite tubes will be deployed and rigidized to demonstrate the concept at the end of the Phase I program.

Principal Investigator:

Andrea E. Hoyt
Principal Investigator
5053461685
adherenttech@earthlink.net

Business Contact:

Susan Switzer
Business Official
5053461685
adherenttech@comcast.net
Small Business Information at Submission:

Adherent Technologies
9621 Camino del Sol NE Albuquerque, NM 87111

EIN/Tax ID: 850397689
DUNS: N/A
Number of Employees:
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No