Leoben University: Innovations started for space

Leoben University: Innovations started for space

Remarkable progress in space research has recently been announced by the Leoben Montan University. Highly developed thin film coatings that were specially designed for use in space have found their way to the International Space Station (ISS). This innovative development is part of the international research project as part of the European Materials Aging (EMA) program, supported by the European Space Organization (ESA).

The coatings were made by a team under the direction of Dr. Megan Cordill from Erich Schmid Institute for Materials Science and Univ.-Prof. Dr. Christian Mitterer from the Materials Science Department of the University of Leoben developed. In the course of the 31st SpaceX resuped mission, the samples were transported to the ISS, where they are installed on the special EMA platform of the Bartolomeo module in the coming days. These samples will face extreme space conditions for over six months while being tested for their performance.

tests under extreme conditions

The coatings that are made in the form of tiny samples of just 20 millimeters in diameter are to act as flexible optical solar reflectors and multilayer foils. These materials consist of a combination of transparent protective layers and high -reflecting metal films, which together are intended to protect sensitive satellite loads from the challenges of space. At the same time, they enable significant savings in resources due to their low weight.

already extensive tests under earthly conditions have checked the materials in various aspects; Now scientists and researchers from Leoben are excited to see how the coatings in the harsh environment of space prove themselves. This environment is known for radiant influences, the vacuum, extremely fluctuating temperatures and even the risk of space waste that is a serious threat to every mission.

innovations for future missions

"We construct thin layer materials specifically on the nuclear level and design different material designs," says Mitterer. "In this way, we can develop materials that withstand the extreme conditions in space and at the same time enable new applications." The research on material research from Leoben could possibly have decisive progress for future space missions.

Overall, this examination provides a significant contribution to groundbreaking material developments that are specially optimized for use in space. These developments could not only advance progress in space travel, but also inspire new technologies for numerous applications on Earth.

For detailed information, Univ.-Prof. Dr. Christian Mitterer. Interested parties can contact him via his email christian.mitterer@unileoten.ac.at or by phone at +43 3842 402 4220. Further information is also available on the website of the University of Leoben