The University of Southampton

Scientists develop new thermal coating for spacecraft and satellites

Published: 26 April 2018
Illustration
New technology could prompt a significant change for a spacecraft or satellite. Image: NASA

The study, driven by Principal Investigators Professor Otto Muskens from Southampton’s Integrated Nanophotonics research group, and Electronic and Computer Science's Professor Kees De Groot, has created new Metamaterial Optical Solar Reflectors (Meta-OSRs) that can be placed on the outside of spacecraft to deflect solar radiation while dissipating heat that is generated on board.

The new technology could replace quartz tiles, which are commonly used but have heavy and fragile qualities, and other solutions such as polymer foils that are unsuitable for missions lasting more than three to five years. The research team’s new meta-OSR coating exploits the potential of metal oxide, a material commonly used for transparent electrical contacts.

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