Speaker
Description
This presentation summarizes the comprehensive material testing and evaluation conducted by the DLR Institute of Space Systems as part of the ESA AFO project (4000138835/22/NL/GLC/va), focusing on the development and qualification of sail membrane materials for future ADEO drag sails manufactured by the company HPS. The study assessed two material candidates with different coatings – a standard FEP polymer film coated with ITO, and a modified atomic oxygen resistant polyimide film. Through a series of environmental tests, including humidity, thermal cycling, UV exposure, and ATOX the performance of the materials were evaluated.
In contrast to previously used polyimide materials, the performance of FEP coated with ITO proved to be a viable near-term solution that provides a good robustness against atomic oxygen. The modified polyimide, while currently produced only in small quantities by the company Aerospace & Advanced Composites GmbH, exhibited good mechanical properties and ATOX resistance, making it a promising future material for drag sails.
The presentation will detail the test methodologies, results, and the rationale behind material selection, providing insights into the potential of these materials for next-generation drag sails.