Boyd Coatings Research Co., Inc. was selected to strategically coat and laminate a suitcase-sized microsatellite that orbits the Earth searching for near-earth asteroids and “space junk” that are difficult to spot using ground-based telescopes.

The company has reported that February, 2014 marked the one-year point since NEOSSat (Near-Earth Object Surveillance Satellite) was successfully launched into outer space where it remains guarding Earth. NEOSSat was introduced by Microsat Systems Canada, Inc. (MSCI), prime contractor/systems engineering in the development of the microsatellite for the Canadian Government. According to the Canadian Space Agency, NEOSSat is “Canada’s Sentinel in the Sky.” The microsatellite orbits the Earth searching for near-earth asteroids and “space junk” that are difficult to spot using ground-based telescopes.

In addition to coating some components with aerospace-grade white thermal control coating, Boyd Coatings was called upon to assist in the highly meticulous application of a specified laminate to some components comprising NEOSSat’s power generation systems. The laminate laydown necessitated Boyd to develop a specialized process for its application. Because the components would be used under a vacuum in deep space, the laminate had to be applied within a clean environment to eliminate the possibility of micro-contamination or air bubbles being trapped underneath; the presence of air bubbles or contaminants would contribute to delamination in outer space. Additionally, NEOSSat’s Optics were coated by Boyd with a specialized black paint. Requirements on the optics were quite stringent – even by space telescope standards.

Boyd Coatings Research Co., Inc. manufactures /applies custom-developed, high-performance coatings, specializing in the medical, industrial and aerospace markets. The company is ISO 9001 registered and a licensed applicator of DuPont Teflon®, Whitford® fluoropolymers, 3M and other popular coatings providing non-stick, heat resistant, conductive, insulative, hydrophobic and other desirable properties.