Materials Engineering Enabling Space Exploration In The Most Extreme Environments

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) operates near absolute zero temperatures. The Dream Chaser® vehicle must survive Mach 25. To meet these extreme demands, traditional materials must be extensively characterized, altered, transformed, and used in non-traditional manners. An overview of materials engineering challenges and solutions from below -420 °F to above 3000 °F will be presented. .
Over the last decade, the chemistry and physics of space exploration haven’t changed, but the commercial target to make space more accessible has increased dramatically. State-of-the-art manufacturing methods, such as additive manufacturing, are enabling further materials/design optimizations and speeding up innovation time in key systems.
Examples of highly integrated composites, reusable thermal protection systems, and additive manufacturing challenges and solutions will be presented in the context of the NASA’s JWST and the International Space Station’s Cargo Resupply Missions planned by Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser and Shooting Star®..

Presented by Dr. Daniel Polis, Vice President of Engineering at Sierra Space