Technical Paper
Self-Healing Technology for Gas Retention Structures and Space Suit Systems
2007-07-09
2007-01-3211
The health of inflatable structures, including space suits and habitats, is dependent upon the integrity of the gas retention structural layer. Inflatable structures typically utilize a coated fabric gas retention layer, or bladder. Threats such as Micrometeoroid and Orbital Debris (MMOD) penetration and inadvertent impact with sharp objects can cause a breach of the gas retention layer. Leakage as a result of bladder breach will impact operations due to loss of consumables and time spent locating and repairing the defect. Crew safety can be at risk where high rate leakage could cause loss of mission or loss of life. ILC has recently researched self-healing technologies that prevent leakage by closing penetrations of the gas retention structure and that are viable and scalable for various future missions and applications ranging from the Constellation Space Suit System (CSSS) to deployable lunar habitats. Several candidates of passive self-healing systems were studied.