Zero CTE Material for Large Deployable Spacecraft (ZeroCoTe)

Reflector based architectures are promising for future space radar systems due to their light weight and potential for compact packaging. However, initial surface accuracy and operational dimensional stability are fundamental driving requirements in these systems and can represent significant challenges to their manufacture. Non-zero material coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) and our inability to sufficiently thermally control the terrestrial fabrication and space operational environments have historically limited the precision to which reflectors can be made. A new approach for the fabrication of a radar reflector is desired where accuracy and dimensional stability are of great importance. To this end, Midé proposes to develop a zero CTE fiber, from which a cable can be constructed and used as tension members in a large, deployable space based radar reflector. The fiber will be designed to minimize extension across typical space temperature ranges, be sufficiently stiff, and have a high tensile strength.