Laser Marking Multilayer Insulation Blankets for Spacecraft

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for marking spacecrafts, such as satellites, are limited due to the use of multilayer insulation (MLI) blankets that require preservation of thermal and electrical performances, and the limited exposed areas on spacecrafts.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the partial exposure of the outer surface of a spacecraft's outer cover material, typically a multilayer insulation blanket, to a laser source to create markings without altering the material composition or generating contaminating particles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If paint is used for marking areas exposed to space, then marking capability is improved, but thermal performance and electrical conductivity of MLI blanket deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemarking capabilityVSAvoidthermal and electrical performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the chemical marking method (paint) with a physical marking method (laser ablation). The laser directly removes material from the MLI blanket surface to create markings, eliminating the need for additional coating materials that would compromise thermal and electrical properties. This substitution resolves the contradiction by achieving marking capability without introducing substances that would deteriorate MLI performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the marking approach from adding material (paint coating) to removing material (laser ablation). By controlling laser parameters such as power, pulse duration, and scanning speed, precise markings are created on the MLI blanket surface while maintaining the underlying thermal and electrical properties intact. This parameter control enables marking without performance deterioration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Temperature

If MLI blanket is used to cover spacecraft, then thermal performance is improved, but marking capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal performanceVSAvoidmarking capability

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces chemical marking methods with laser ablation specifically adapted for MLI blankets. The laser parameters are optimized to mark the thin MLI layers without compromising their thermal insulation properties. This enables both thermal performance preservation and marking capability achievement simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by using controlled laser ablation that removes only minimal material from the MLI blanket surface - just enough to create visible markings while leaving the bulk thermal insulation properties intact. This partial removal approach resolves the contradiction between maintaining thermal performance and achieving marking capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Loss of information

If paint is used for marking, then marking capability is improved, but particle contamination risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemarking capabilityVSAvoidparticle contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes chemical paint application with physical laser ablation. The laser vaporizes and ejects material directly from the MLI blanket surface, creating markings without introducing external paint particles that could contaminate spacecraft equipment. This substitution eliminates the particle contamination risk while maintaining marking capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The laser marking process is self-contained, using the MLI blanket material itself to create the marking through controlled ablation. No external marking materials are introduced, so no foreign particles are generated or deposited on the spacecraft surface. This self-service approach resolves the contamination issue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This method allows for the marking of larger areas on spacecrafts without compromising the thermal or electrical performance of the MLI blankets, and without the risk of particle contamination.

Implementation Method 1

partially exposing the outer surface of the outer cover material to laser source to achieve a marking on said outer surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Implementation Method 2

the laser is a UV laser, in the wavelength range of 350-370 nm, preferably of 355 nm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Data Source

PatentUS12338005B2Manufacturing method of a spacecraft including a marking of a surface

Publication Date: 2025.06.24 AIRBUS DEFENCE & SPACE SAS

AI summary

A method of manufacturing a spacecraft is disclosed including electing an outer cover material for the spacecraft, the outer cover material having an inner surface and an outer surface, the outer surface being electrically conductive, and the method further includes partially exposing the outer surface of the outer cover material to laser source to achieve a marking on the outer surface.