The program’s goal is to gain insight about how material ages in low-Earth orbit of the International Space Station. To this purpose, up to 45 samples will spend a minimum of six months exposed to an extraordinarily challenging environment and Arceon is undertaking the crucial task to develop 4 of them. Our materials will have to deal with extreme temperature shifts known as ‘thermal cycling’ involving ongoing sudden shifts in temperature from up to 150 degrees C in sunlight down to -150 degrees C in the shade, along with radiation, vacuum, and even space debris. The combination of extreme conditions could cause cracking, misalignment, even buckling of the test materials.

We are looking forward to taking on such an assignment as it is a remarkable opportunity to expand awareness and further explore the capabilities and performance of Arceon’s advanced composites while presenting invaluable prospects for innovation advances on Earth.

For more information about the project please follow the link:

https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Engineering_Technology/Orbital_space_ageing_tests_offered_for_space_age_materials