A new generation of space materials left Earth on November 5 as they head to the International Space Station (ISS) to undergo testing in the brutal conditions of low Earth orbit.
Overview of the Mission
Developed at the University of Bristol, these high-performance materials could be used in the construction of future space stations, spacecraft for interplanetary travel, or a new ISS. The materials in question have the potential to significantly enhance the durability and performance of components used in spacecraft.
The materials will be placed on the Bartolomeo platform, located on the front of the ISS. They will orbit Earth up to 9,000 times over the next 12 to 18 months at speeds of 17,000 mph, all while being subjected to extreme conditions.
Testing Conditions and Challenges
These carbon fiber–reinforced composites will need to survive:
- Temperatures ranging from -150ºC to +120ºC
- Encounters with space debris traveling at speeds seven times faster than a bullet
- Exposure to severe electromagnetic radiation
- Conditions of high vacuum
- Attractive properties of atomic oxygen, which can erode even the toughest materials
Expert Insights
According to Prof. Ian Hamerton, Professor of Polymers and Sustainable Composites at the Bristol Composites Institute:
“Space is the most challenging environment for which to design new materials. You're pitting your materials expertise, skills and ingenuity against extremes of temperature, mechanical stress, radiation, high-speed impacts, and more.”
He continues, “Any one of those might be difficult, and gaining access to repair them is not an easy option, so the materials we build must survive without maintenance.”
He reiterates the importance of the testing environment: “The opportunity to test our materials in the proving ground of space is priceless and will help our University of Bristol scientists on the ground improve fiber-reinforced materials for next-generation space missions.”
Materials Prepared for Space
Four distinct laboratory-made polymers are heading to the ISS, each reinforced with carbon fibers. Two of these also contain nanoparticles. Of these four, one polymer has been patented. The planned testing of these materials in such an extreme environment aims to ascertain their resilience and longevity.
If successful, these polymers and composites could redefine the construction of space components, allowing spacecraft to travel further and spend longer periods in space.
Galactic Protection Against Cosmic Radiation
Future communities on new planets will need protection against galactic cosmic radiation. Several Bristol researchers, supported by the UK Space Agency (UKSA), are examining the effects of simulated galactic cosmic radiation on these materials. Dr. Ali Kandemir, a Senior Research Associate at Bristol, emphasized:
“We want materials that are resilient in the space environment and, importantly, materials that can shield humans from that radiation.”
Dr. Kandemir also highlights the necessity for sustainability in space materials, advocating for the use of recyclable materials that can be remade for use in future missions.
The Launch
The mission to launch these materials came to fruition with the launch of the SpaceX Dragon CRS-2 spacecraft on November 5, 2024. This launch represents the culmination of five years of dedicated research by Prof. Hamerton and his team, which involved the collaborative efforts of early career researchers, postgraduates, and several undergraduate Aerospace Engineering students at the University of Bristol, whose projects have been linked to the space materials initiative.
The practical support of the University of Bristol-hosted National Composites Center (NCC) was crucial in scaling up the composite materials for this significant mission.
Future Directions
Prof. Kate Robson Brown, Vice-President for Research, Innovation and Impact at University College Dublin and a collaborator on the project, shared her insights post-launch:
“After nearly five years of research to develop novel composite materials for space applications, it is very exciting to see our experiment launch to the International Space Station.”
She continued: “I am proud to be part of this mission, and to be working with the multidisciplinary and multisector research team to deliver integrated real-world and digital testing for innovative materials which will help to drive growth in the new space economy.”
Conclusion
The successful launch of these next-generation materials signifies a vital step forward in space exploration. Testing these composites in the harsh environment of space could lead to substantial advancements in the development of long-lasting materials specifically tailored for future interplanetary missions.
References and Links
For more information about the ongoing research and developments at the University of Bristol, you can visit: