Story perspectives

New Coating Could Revolutionize Satellite Lifespan in Space

10/28/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Rafik Addou, a materials scientist at the University of Texas at Dallas, leads a team developing a coating.
The coating could extend satellite lifespans in low Earth orbit, where atomic oxygen and drag shorten operations.
The team uses atomic layer deposition and sol-gel processing to create coatings that endure extreme conditions.
If successful, the coatings could enable satellites to operate in harsher orbital environments, unlocking new space applications.

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Story summary

Rafik Addou, a materials scientist at the University of Texas at Dallas, leads a team developing a coating.
The coating could extend satellite lifespans in low Earth orbit, where atomic oxygen and drag shorten operations.
The team uses atomic layer deposition and sol-gel processing to create coatings that endure extreme conditions.
If successful, the coatings could enable satellites to operate in harsher orbital environments, unlocking new space applications.