The new Advanced Materials and Coatings Lab of HII will develop and produce cutting-edge thermal coatings for the aerospace industry.
The Mission Technologies division of the all-domain defence provider HII has recently announced the opening of its Advanced Materials and Coatings Lab facility in Willowbrook (Illinois – United States of America), that will be dedicated to developing and manufacturing cutting-edge thermal coatings for the aerospace industry – including Government and commercial space programmes as well as satellite providers.
The opening of the new laboratory, which replaces the site previously located in downtown Chicago, underscores the commitment of the company to advancing the science of space coatings and supporting even the most ambitious space endeavours. As a matter of fact, the new 13,250 square foot (1,231 m2) area will feature dedicated laboratories for customised tasks, enabling the company experts to focus solely on research and development without constraints.
The premise is designed to enhance pioneering technology for interplanetary and manned missions to the International Space Station (ISS) by creating specialised coatings technologies that meet the evolving needs of modern spacecraft, space systems and components.
The facility is then equipped with the latest chemical laboratory technology, including large-scale solution preparation equipment, high-temperature furnaces and advanced powder processing machinery, enabling the engineers, chemists and technicians of the Mission Technologies division to continue developing coatings that are precisely engineered for specific applications in space and other challenging environments. In addition, it will also allow the team to expand their specialty coating research and manufacturing into other DOD applications and solutions.
“Our new Advanced Materials and Coatings Lab represents a significant investment in the future of aerospace technology: this facility will allow us to push the boundaries of innovation, continuing our work in developing unique coating materials that protect aerospace structures and NASA astronauts from the challenging space environment,” has declared Grant Hagen, the president of the Cyber, Electronic Warfare and Space business group of Mission Technologies.
The new laboratory will leverage the six-decade legacy of HII in supporting NASA
space programmes, the U.S. Department of Defense and other key partners in the aerospace sector. Since 1961, the company has in fact has been at the forefront of developing advanced coatings to protect spacecraft and satellites from the harsh conditions of space, including solar flares, radiation and extreme temperatures.
“We are incredibly proud of the expertise and dedication of our team. Every coating we develop is a testament to their skill and commitment to excellence, ensuring that every spacecraft we touch is protected and ready to face the challenges of space. We look forward to welcoming our partners and clients to our new facility and demonstrating how our enhanced capabilities will benefit the future of space exploration and defence,” has added Jeff Showalter, the vice-president of operations for Mission and manager of the Advanced Materials and Coatings Lab.