Design and development of radiation and thermal insulation for satellites using composite materials

Researcher:
Prof. R. Eng. Dalia Abdel Salam Al-Faqi

Summary of project:

Exposure to high-energy space radiation is one of the main challenges in the success of manned space missions. Cosmic rays are an event from outside the solar system and are among the highest energy events observed by humans. The Earth's surface is protected by geomagnetic fields that trap the charged radiation contained in the Van Allen Belts and various forms of radiation have been ranked as major problems that must be overcome for interplanetary space travel to become a reality.

In aerospace, there is also a need for materials to be very lightweight and able to withstand extreme temperatures and withstand mechanical loading. Polymeric materials can play an important role as multifunctional materials for radiation protection in space.

The goal of this project is to develop a multi-functional hybrid composite shield that is lighter than aluminum and meets mission requirements for radiation shielding and thermal properties.

The objective of the project:

The goal of this project is to develop a multifunctional hybrid composite insulator that is lighter than aluminum and meets mission requirements for space radiation shielding and thermal properties.

The most important outputs:

Composite samples of radiation- and heat-insulating composite plastics to protect the satellite

Master's thesis

Published two papers

A collection of images that express the outputs