A report discusses the adaptation of foaming-in-place techniques and materials to outer-space applications. Foaming in place is used commercially in terrestrial sealing, insulating, bonding, and retrofitting applications. The room-temperature outer-space versions of foaming in place are expected not to differ much from the terrestrial versions, and experiments have confirmed that a commercial two-component liquid polyurethane foaming system could be used on Mars at and near room temperature. However, chemical formulations different from the commercial ones would be needed for foaming at low temperatures.
This work was done by Witold Sokolowski, Andre Yavrouian, and Kerry Nock of Caltech for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. To obtain a copy of the report, "Foaming-in-Place for Space Applications," access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at www.nasatech.com/tsp under the Materials category
NPO-21020
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Foaming in Place for Outer-Space Applications
(reference NPO-21020) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document discusses the innovative concept of foam-in-place structures for space applications, developed by researchers at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). This technology addresses the limitations of current expandable structures used in space, which are often heavy, complex, and inefficient in terms of packaging volume. The foam-in-place method offers a lightweight, self-deployable, and rigidizable solution that can be utilized in various space missions.
The motivation behind this development stems from the need for more efficient structures that can be deployed in space environments, particularly during missions like the Mars Heat Flow Penetrator. The foaming-in-place technique involves injecting a two-component liquid polyurethane foam into a polymer or composite fabric skin, which, upon deployment, expands significantly—up to 60 times its original volume—and rigidizes within minutes. This rapid transformation allows for the creation of strong, stable structures that can support various applications, including robotic subsystems and space habitats.
Experiments conducted in low-pressure environments, simulating conditions on Mars, confirmed the feasibility of this foaming-in-place concept. The research demonstrated that the commercial polyurethane foaming system could operate effectively at and near room temperature on Mars, although adaptations would be necessary for lower temperatures.
The document emphasizes the potential of foam-in-place technology to revolutionize space structures by providing a more reliable, cost-effective, and efficient alternative to traditional mechanically deployable systems. The authors highlight the versatility of this technology, which can be applied to a wide range of space applications, enhancing the capabilities of future missions.
In summary, the foam-in-place technique represents a significant advancement in the design and deployment of space structures, promising to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of space exploration efforts. The work conducted by Sokolowski, Yavrouian, and Neck not only showcases the innovative use of materials in extreme environments but also sets the stage for future developments in space technology.
