Fraunhofer Institute for Surface Engineering and Thin Films IST
Metallized CFRP honeycomb structure.
Space travel: The future of the earth lies in the stars
Active exploration of space serves not only the study of fundamental laws of physics but also real applications such as the investigation of living conditions on distant planets. With the construction of the ESA “Moon Village”, plans are being made to send people to the Moon for a longer period of time in order to conduct research there. Almost all of today's missions rely on optical instruments. Hyperspectral cameras of the Sentinel satellites can record the state of the earth's atmosphere or the earth's surface very precisely from orbit. Optical systems also play a key role in solar system research and laser communication. Here, the demands on optical coatings in terms of quality, surface area, filter sharpness, and precision are increasing. In addition, hyperspectral measurement methods are becoming increasingly important and require highly specialized optical coatings.
Innovative coating solutions for extreme space conditions
Fraunhofer IST develops and implements surface technology solutions that are specifically tailored to the special requirements of space travel. These include both (electro)chemical processes and innovative thin-film technologies that open up new functionalities and enable operation under extreme conditions. One focus is on the use of extraterrestrial resources: electrochemical processes can be used to extract usable metals and vital oxygen from lunar regolith. We are also developing processes for producing energy storage devices and fuels from lunar material.
Optical technologies as the key to modern space missions
We also offer highly functional solutions in the field of structurally relevant materials: polymers, light metals, and CFRP are coated in such a way that they are protected against corrosion and wear or become electrically conductive in a targeted manner. We can electroplate very light CFRP components, thereby optimizing them for space-specific applications. Another focus is on high-tech precision and functional optical coatings with a high technology readiness level (TRL). Our range of services extends from optical filters in the UV to LWIR range, electrochromic coatings, and special coatings that actively remove dust deposits. Special gradient filters also enable hyperspectral filtering and are therefore central to Earth observation and scientific missions in the solar system.
Our expertise – your advantage
With scientific expertise and systems engineering, knowledge of the space-exploration market, and contacts to agencies such as DLR and ESA as well as to the relevant companies, the Fraunhofer IST can help you in the realization of your projects and ideas.