High Temperature Radiator Coating

The proposed innovation centers on a high-temperature radiator coating designed for use in nuclear-electric spacecraft, where long-term stability, high emissivity, and low solar absorptivity significantly reduce the radiator area for a heat rejection system. The technology's purpose is to provide a robust, thermal control coating operating at temperatures up to 750 K, withstand harsh space conditions, and reliably bond to lightweight carbon-carbon substrates. Phase I funding will be used to demonstrate the feasibility of a zirconium silicate-based thermal control paint by compounding the new coating, applying it to carbon-carbon test panels, cycling it between low and high temperatures, and characterizing its optical properties and adhesion performance. The broader aim is to lower spacecraft mass and volume by enabling more efficient heat rejection in nuclear-powered missions. Target markets include NASA programs and commercial entities requiring high-temperature radiators, such as spacecraft utilizing nuclear-electric energy, lunar or Mars exploration platforms, and industries needing vacuum-compatible coatings (e.g., semiconductor equipment and high0-temperature industrial processes).