External Flight Test Platform Delivers Valuable Data
A groundbreaking external flight test platform mission has been completed by Sidus Space.
"We are pleased to be able to use EFTP to support valuable research to inform future spacecraft design as our years of spaceflight heritage have done so to this point.” Carol Craig, Founder and CEO of Sidus Space.
Carol Craig, Founder and CEO of Sidus Space.
In November of 2019, twelve 3D-printed ceramic samples were sent to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard the Sidus Space External Flight Test Platform (EFTP) in support of a study performed by Alfred University. The two batches of 3D-printed ceramic samples were exposed to space weather and radiation environment for approximately 260 days on Sidus’ EFTP. Upon return, the samples were evaluated for radiation damage and structural integrity by examining their mechanical properties after having experienced thermal cycling during flight and mechanical vibrations during launching and landing.
"We are pleased to be able to use EFTP to support valuable research to inform future spacecraft design as our years of spaceflight heritage have done so to this point,” said Carol Craig, Founder and CEO of Sidus Space.
External Flight Test Platform Mounted Outside ISS
The External Flight Test Platform is a highly reconfigurable external testing platform which is brought up to the ISS and is mounted outside in the harsh space environment. EFTP offers unique opportunities to conduct microgravity research in space. EFTP provides the ability to develop, test, and fly experiments, hardware, materials, and advanced electronics from the ISS at a reduced cost and schedule. The EFTP allows for rapid on-orbit testing and payload return, increase Technology Readiness Level (TRL) ability and because payloads are returned, a detailed post-mission analysis of effects of the space environment are possible. The EFTP platform is one of our important space platforms offered and helps fulfill Sidus Space’s commitment to innovation within the industry by providing a comprehensive end-to-end space-based infrastructure.
An article about the study has been published in the American Ceramic Society Bulletin. According to the article, "further spaceflight testing is required to investigate these potential issues with 3D-printed ceramic materials that are subjected to space weather and radiation."
(Source: Sidus Space news release. Images from file)