July 2022 Composites Blog
July 14, 2022
Toray Composites Used in the James Webb Space Telescope
This week, the James Webb Space Telescope (the successor to the Hubble Space Telescope) made history by capturing the most detailed images of outer space seen so far. This would not have been possible without the work of Toray Advanced Composites, the composite material solution partner selected for the job. The JWST is an engineering marvel and incorporates Toray RS-3 and RS-3C composite materials that utilize ultra-high modulus TORAYCA M69J carbon fiber. These materials are incredibly resistant while also exhibiting many mission- critical properties. These materials are able to tolerate temperatures below 200° Celsius and ensure that the telescope is stable to within 38 nanometers. Read more here.
July 28, 2022
Boston Materials and Textron Systems to Collaborate in Designing Thermal Protection System for Spacecraft
Massachusetts based companies Boston Materials and Textron Systems have announced a partnership to develop a thermal protection system (TPS) that will reduce deployment costs of vehicles like spacecraft. The exterior of the TPS needs to be able to withstand extreme temperatures and will be comprised in part of Boston Materials’ proprietary Z-axis Fiber technology. The Z-axis Fiber material will greatly increase the TPS’ interlaminar shear strength in addition to allowing gasses to escape, reducing the risk of voids. Anvesh Gurijala, CEO of Boston Materials mentions, “This is a game-changing enabler that will enable faster [vehicle] turnarounds, more durability, an increased factor of safety and more lightweighting opportunities.” Read more here.
