NASA-Backed Sunshade® Proves Unmatched Durability in Harsh Space Conditions

Sunshade®, a durable thermal control material from Deposition Sciences, Inc. (DSI), has proven its resilience in harsh space conditions. Recent tests confirm it can withstand extreme atomic oxygen exposure while maintaining performance over long missions.

DSI, a Lockheed Martin subsidiary, has produced Sunshade® for over two decades. The material provides neutral density filtering and solar rejection, making it ideal for space applications. Over the past five years, its use has expanded in major projects like NASA's Artemis lunar landers and Starlink's satellite constellations.

The material now features improved deposition techniques, allowing it to resist temperatures up to 500°C. It has been integrated into more than 50 CubeSat missions launched via SpaceX rideshares. Testing showed minimal impact on performance after exposure to atomic oxygen (AO) fluence exceeding 1 × 10²² (AO/cm²), even when combined with UV radiation to simulate eight years in low Earth orbit (LEO).

Sunshade® is available in both free film and tape formats. Both versions are engineered to endure extreme space environments without degrading over time.

The latest AO and UV testing confirms Sunshade®'s reliability for long-duration missions. Its growing adoption in NASA and commercial projects reflects its proven durability. The material remains a key solution for thermal control in space applications.