Flexible Multi-Layer Emissivity Control Coatings (F-MECCs) for Spacecraft Thermal Regulation

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) and the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UWisc) will develop a flexible multi-layer emissivity control coating (F-MECC) for passive thermal regulation of various spacecraft. The new coatings integrate key functionalities of PSI’s MECC design (high emissivity contrast and tunable control temperature) with the structural benefits afforded by a polymer support (high flexibility and strength per unit weight). To this end, PSI will produce a novel variable emissivity control coating based on thermochromic VO2 by incorporating a flexible and robust polymer support and rigid Si substrate removal step into its established MECC fabrication flow. In Phase I, PSI and UWisc will develop a prototype F-MECC structure by exploring the trade-offs between mechanical flexibility, solar absorptivity, and thermal robustness of the polymer while maintaining high emissivity contrast of the active thermochromic layers. In Phase II, the team will refine and scale up an ideal F-MECC design, perform more rigorous mechanical and thermal characterization, and coordinate space qualification testing under orbital conditions. The overall outcome of the proposed STTR program is a flexible emissivity control coating for passive thermal regulation near room temperature that is easily integrated into existing spacecraft and opens up possibilities for new architectures.