Holographic Controlled Reflectivity/Emissivity

The ability to continuously change the thermal reflectivity/emissivity of external spacecraft surfaces at will or automatically through a low voltage holographic film with no moving parts would have considerable performance, reliability, and cost impact on military and commercial spacecraft. Encompassing the external spacecraft surface as part of an active thermal management system will enable more precise space platforms for astronomers, earth observers, and missile defense systems, as well as allow these systems the chameleon-like ability to change their thermal signature at will. Foster-Miller's program will design, fabricate, and demonstrate a broad band variable hologram in a rugged, thin polyester film that will control surface reflectivity/emissivity over a wide dynamic range. Producibility issues will be addressed with program commercial partner Polaroid, and models will be tested in a space/solar simulation test chamber with aerospace partner Lockheed.