De-risk assessment: Graphene-based materials with improved gas barrier properties for space applications

The aim of the activity, developed by Omnidea-RTG in conjunction with ESA, Pleione SA and Fraunhofer IVV, was to produce a thin film polymer-based product enhanced with Graphene nanoparticles to decrease He gas permeability while maintaining thermal bonding properties and without major penalties in UV resistance, for use in high-altitude inflatable structures. The proposed technological application is the usage of this thin film as envelope inner layer for high altitude airborne platforms which, from a lower altitude (vs. a LEO satellite) can perform Earth Observation or, alternatively, satellite data correction/validation.