Space Durability Testing via MISSE-FF of CORIN XLS Polyimide with Increased Flexibility and Tear Resistance

Thin-film polymers are used in many spacecraft applications including multi-layer insulation and sunshields for thermal control, lightweight structural members in solar array blankets, inflatable/deployable structures, solar sail material for propulsion, as well as flexible solar array backplanes. Materials on exterior spacecraft surfaces are subjected to a very harsh environment composed of photon and charged particle radiation, thermal cycling, impacts from Micro-Meteoroid and Orbital Debris (MMOD), and Atomic Oxygen (AO). Many applications that could benefit from using a thin polymer film are restricted from use due to the fact that many currently available materials do not meet durability or packaging requirements. A modification of NeXolve’s AO-resistant CORIN® XLS polyimide is proposed that would improve orbit lifetime and provide lightweight and high packaging efficiency alternatives for use in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and MMOD-prone applications. Modifications would incorporate a flexible matrix into the inherently UV, VUV, and AO resistant material CORIN® XLS polyimide. This will significantly increase material flexibility and tear resistance at thicknesses less than 25 microns and eliminate the need for external protective coatings. Testing and verification using the MISSE-FF materials test platform will provide critical data to ensure survivability and performance of passive samples in the space environment advancing the TRL to level 5. In phase II, CORIN® XLS composite material will be used to fabricate a deployable system with solar cells that can be monitored in flight. The phase II activity will result in flight qualification of the material for use in future NASA applications and advance the TRL to level 7.