2024-03-19 09:21:00
Stratasys is sending various materials with an Aegis Aerospace moon mission, including Antero filament. These will be tested on the moon. A new photopolymer from Henkel is also being tested. These tests are part of a larger testing program for future infrastructures on the moon and other planets relatively close to Earth.
The Antero materials in question are Antero 800NA FDM filament filled with tungsten and Antero 840CN03, which concerns the ESD properties. Thee two materials are brought to the surface of the moon via an unmanned lunar lander.
Radiation tests should provide insight into the suitability of Antero materials for future lunar settlements
Tungsten as shielding
The first experiment assesses the performance of a test piece printed with Stratasys Antero 800NA. This is a high-quality thermoplastic based on PEKK with excellent mechanical properties, chemical resistance and little outgassing. Tungsten is added to this for the purpose of shielding against harmful radiation such as gamma rays or X-rays.
New ESD photopolymer
The second passive experiment is designed to see how 3D printed materials perform in space. It will contain Antero 840CN03 filament, which has ESD properties for use with electronics and was used in the Orion spaceship. The experiment also includes a new ESD photopolymer produced by Stratasys partner Henkel for use with Stratasys’ Origin One 3D printers. The material is designed for high temperature environments. This experiment will expose coupon samples of the 3D printed materials to lunar dust, low pressure that can lead to outgassing, and the rapid temperature fluctuations that result from the moon having virtually no atmosphere.
Test program
The materials are transported to the lunar surface in a Stratasys 3D printed supporting structure, made of Ultem 9085. This material is more often used in the aviation industry. Both tests are part of Aegis Aerospace, Inc.’s first Space Science & Technology Evaluation Facility (SSTEF-1) mission. SSTEF is a commercial space test service developed by Aegis Aerospace in Houston, Texas under NASA’s Tipping Point program, to provide R&D services on the lunar surface. The Stratasys experiments are sponsored by Northrop Grumman.
Stratasys materials and 3D printers are available in the Benelux at Seido Systems
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