The New Black: PT401
Abstract
Everything placed on a spacecraft has to be measured and tested against harsh conditions similar to that found in space. Black coatings are an important part of spacecraft as they have heating and spectral qualities that effect sensitive equipment contained inside the spacecraft. Z302 was once a specular black coating that was used on spacecraft as it had predictable reflective and absorptive properties. However, its manufacturer has discontinued production of Z302 making it necessary to find a new black coating. PT401, made by Products and Technologies Inc., is one undocumented specular black coating that may become the new black. The coating has been tested for space environment conditions, specular attributes, and adhesion abilities.
The New Black: PT401
Everything placed on a spacecraft has to be measured and tested against harsh conditions similar to that found in space. Black coatings are an important part of spacecraft as they have heating and spectral qualities that effect sensitive equipment contained inside the spacecraft. Z302 was once a specular black coating that was used on spacecraft as it had predictable reflective and absorptive properties. However, its manufacturer has discontinued production of Z302 making it necessary to find a new black coating. PT401, made by Products and Technologies Inc., is one undocumented specular black coating that may become the new black. The coating has been tested for space environment conditions, specular attributes, and adhesion abilities.