Agings and resistances of physical/thermal/optical properties of fine cordierite under the space environment

Kyocera Fine Cordierite (CO720) is a highly promising material for optical mirrors and structural components for space applications due to its excellent properties such as high rigidity, low thermal expansion, and high thermal conductivity. It has already demonstrated its performance in space applications and is begin considered for adoption in many future projects. However, detailed material property data of Fine Cordierite in the space environment has not been made publicly available. Therefore, despite its excellent characteristics, there is a prevailing hesitation to adopt it actively in ongoing or planned projects. In order to address this issue, we have prepared Fine Cordierite test samples and conducted ground tests that simulated the prominent effects of radiation (γ-ray) and atomic oxygen exposure in the space environment and compiled the results into a database. This database includes mechanical properties (bending strength, Young's modulus, and bulk density), thermal properties (coefficient thermal expansion and thermal conductivity), and optical properties (surface accuracy) before and after applying radiation and atomic oxygen exposure. In the presentation, we will discuss the availability and practicability of Fine Cordierite in the space environment, comparing the inspection results of low thermal expansion glass and glass-ceramic conducted at the same time.