Assured Space Sensor Operation in Harsh Electromagnetic/RF Environment

ABSTRACT: Under this SBIR, Imaging Systems Technology (IST) proposes to develop an ultra-lightweight (< 0.1 g/cm2) rapidly switchable engineered material capable of very high switchable shielding effectiveness (80 dB) for electromagnetic protection (EP) of space systems based on IST's plasma-shell technology. Building on positive feasibility results from Phase I work, IST will design, simulate, fabricate, and validate a metamaterial-like structure that consists of a second-order frequency selective surface (FSS) with integral plasma elements. Plasma-shells are ideal for high-power microwave (HPM) and electromagnetic pulse (EMP) protection in the harsh space environment; they are rugged, hermetic, operate at extreme temperatures, and are insensitive to ionizing radiation. When exposed to electric fields, the gas in these shells creates an enclosed plasma discharge. IST will design and optimize the materials electromagnetic, thermal, and structural properties using coupled-multiphysics simulations. Test samples will be validated for shielding effectiveness and launch/space worthiness. The concept can be fabricated from readily available materials using standard processes. The outcome of the project will be a working sample of a versatile low-cost, rugged engineered electromagnetic material useful for hardening satellites, aircraft, and any device with microwave electromagnetic apertures that must survive EMP attack. BENEFIT: Reliable space systems, including satellites, provide a significant opportunity to advance man's ability to communicate information and to observe conditions on the ground using advanced sensor systems. Satellites are an important part of modern communication and information procurement for both Government and commercial entities. Governmental uses of space-based sensor systems include Defense, Communications, and Homeland Security. Commercial industries that rely heavily on satellites include Oil and Gas exploration, Mining, Telecommunications, Disaster relief, Construction, and Media and Broadcasting. Space systems are vulnerable to damaging levels of electromagnetic (EM) radiation from unintentional sources such as high-power tracking radars during launch and co-site interference from nearby transmitters, and intentional sources such as high-power microwave (HPM) and electromagnetic pulse (EMP) weapons and high-altitude electromagnetic pulse (HEMP) bursts from nuclear explosions. Current methods of EM protection include plasma limiters, solid state devices, various coatings, and micro electro mechanical (MEMs) devices. Each of these technologies has limitations. The use of Plasma-shells as described in this proposal represents a significant opportunity to improve the state of the art of space-based EM protection by leveraging the advantages of Plasma-shells over current technologies.