Space Enhanced Crystals (SPECS)

To meet NASAs goal of commercial in-space production of materials with the level of quality and performance superior to that onEarth,DSTARCommunications Inc. develops Space-Enhanced Crystals (SPECS). This customer-driven effort is based on initial sales of Minimal Valuable Products (MVPs). The technology uses the microgravity-driven enhancement of crystal formation in microgravity in combination with a set of novel process controls to establish commercially sustainable manufacturing on board of International Space Station (ISS). The program leverages a unique modular ISS manufacturing platform to maintain U.S. leadership in the area of commercial in-space production. To meet NASA's goal of commercial in-space production of materials with the level of quality and performance superior to that on Earth, DSTAR Communications Inc. develops Space-Enhanced Crystals (SPECS). This customer-driven effort is based on initial sales of Minimal Valuable Products (MVPs). The technology uses the microgravity-driven enhancement of crystal formation in microgravity in combination with a set of novel process controls to establish commercially sustainable manufacturing on board of International Space Station (ISS). The program leverages a unique modular ISS manufacturing platform to maintain U.S. leadership in the area of commercial in-space production. Objective 1. Microgravity processing of halide crystals in space The finalized safety reviews and crew procedures would lead to remotely operated processing of customer-driven materials in a microgravity environment. The processed crystals will be delivered back to Earth in processing containers and evaluated by NASA and the customers for desired material properties. Objective 2. Development of advanced microgravity processing The first batch processing results will be used to optimize both the processing parameters and the hardware for crystal processing. The updated hardware will be tested on the ground, and then used to develop updated safety and crew procedures. Objective 3. Development of a business case for new space materials The implementation template for the material processing mission will be developed for commercial customers. The safety, integration, schedule and cost implementation guidelines will be created, tested and delivered to NASA as a business case report for space manufacturing. Objective 4. Productization of space materials The resulting space product delivery will be used to establish the low-rate production of SPECS and develop the program transition to the next phase of implementation.
Benefits: NASA applications include infrared sensors and probes for both ground facilities and flight instrumentation. The improved infrared materials and fibers could benefit Exoplanet research and exploration. The thermal imaging and situational awareness systems using the space-enhanced crystals offer enhanced performance for robotic platforms and space assets. The longer wavelength pigtailed quantum cascade lasers could be implemented in environmental sensing solutions. The improved crystals and polycrystalline optical fibers provide a high power delivery option for carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide laser systems. The materials offer improved performance for medical endoscopes and diagnostics equipment. The materials would enable advanced industrial and environmental sensing platforms.