The Russian Federation plans to create durable glass for ROS portholes by 2026

Scientists at the Institute of Strength Physics and Materials Science (IPPM) SB RAS plan to create glasses for windows of the Russian Orbital Station (ROS) with increased strength, uniformity and optical characteristics by 2026, according to the website of the Tomsk Scientific Center SB RAS.

“By 2026, Tomsk materials scientists must create unique glasses with protective coatings for large-diameter windows, up to half a meter, which will open up new opportunities for the operation of optical instruments - telescopes and imaging equipment,” the statement says.

According to the head of the Laboratory of Materials Science of Coatings and Nanotechnologies of the Institute of Physics and Mathematics and Mechanics SB RAS, Viktor Sergeev, increasing the strength of glass by applying protective coatings will reduce their thickness and weight. In turn, this will reduce economic costs.

In addition, on the instructions of the Energia Rocket and Space Corporation. S.P. Korolev scientists from the Institute of Physics and Applied Mathematics SB RAS carried out calculations that made it possible to establish the permissible service life of windows on the International Space Station. According to calculations, the windows on the ISS will last at least until 2030.

Scientists also managed to increase the impact resistance of quartz glasses used in Russia by applying multi-level (up to 10 layers) coatings developed at the Institute of Physics and Mathematics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The first batch of glasses with protective coatings applied using ion-plasma equipment, also developed at the institute, has successfully passed tests and has already been transferred to RSC Energia for equipping new spacecraft.

Source: nauka.tass.ru