Design and Development of Space Resilient Materials

We are interested in the science and engineering of autonomous materials that can withstand the extreme environments of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and beyond. Our team has pioneered self-sensing, self-healing, and regenerative polymers and their composites that autonomously respond to environmental stimuli such as stress, light, temperature, and chemical exposure. These novel engineering materials have been enabled by advances in materials science, chemistry, and mechanics, including microcapsule-based self-healing and self-passivating materials, as well as vascular networks for combined self-healing, self-repair, and self-cooling of composite structures. Such innovations address threats ranging from microscopic cracks to large-scale damage caused by ballistic impacts from Micrometeoroids and Orbital Debris (MMOD). Our focus is on developing durable, self-repairing, and lightweight structures for next-generation resilient spacecraft, satellites, and long-duration space habitats.​

Team Members: Profs. Baur, Geubelle, Moore, Sottos​

Sponsors: AFOSR, DOE, NSF​