Cassandra composite material. © CompPair
A new carbon-fibre composite material that can repair itself could transform future space missions.
It has been developed by CompPair, working with Com&Sens and CSEM under the European Space Agency’s FIRST! initiative.
The project, called Cassandra (Composite Autonomous SenSing AnD RepAir), uses special sensors and built-in heating elements inside the carbon-fibre structure. If small cracks appear during use, the material can be heated directly on the spot to seal and repair the damage.
This Healtech material was tested through Project Cassandra and proved that it can fix early-stage cracks without removing or replacing parts.
Holding up a Cassandra demonstrator self-healable panel. © CompPair
The technology could be especially useful for reusable space transportation systems, helping spacecraft last longer and reducing maintenance between missions.
Cassandra is part of ESA’s Future Innovation Research in Space Transportation (FIRST!) program, which focuses on developing and testing advanced technologies for Europe’s next generation of space vehicles.
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