Fine Ceramics for Space and Astronomy Applications

Kyocera's cutting-edge technology is utilized worldwide across various fields. The company provides over 200 types of ceramic materials tailored to meet specific needs. In the fields of space and astronomy, Kyocera has excelled at creating technical ceramic components for over 50 years. 

Kyocera's high-performance ceramics are precisely engineered to exhibit unique properties, such as low coefficient of thermal expansion and high heat resistance, that are absent in naturally occurring materials. These exceptional characteristics enable Kyocera's technical ceramics to withstand conditions that other materials cannot, thus helping to make the impossible possible.

Materials for Space and Astronomy Applications Cordierite (CO220O/CO720O)

Since its development more than 20 years ago, cordierite—a ceramic known for its very low thermal expansion—has undergone continuous improvements.

Material Properties

• Unique material composition ensures minimal temperature deformation due to an extremely low thermal expansion rate.
• Achieves around 70 % weight reduction compared to low CTE glass, with a slim, ribbed structure design that provides high rigidity.
• Superior mechanical properties make cordierite ideal for structural components.

Cordierite mirror. Image Credit: Kyocera International Inc.

Structural parts made of ceramics in a satellite. Image Credit: Kyocera International Inc.

Temperature Dependency Graph <Cordierite Co720>

Image Credit: Kyocera International Inc.

Material Properties Comparison with Low CTE Glass

Source: Kyocera International Inc.

3-Point Supported Deflection¹

Image Credit: Kyocera International Inc.

The values provided are typical material properties and may vary based on product configuration and the manufacturing process.

¹ based on Kyocera's research
² temperature dependency graph

Silicon-Infiltrated Silicon Carbide (SiSiC)

For SiSiC, proprietary joining and manufacturing technology enables the creation of intricate, highly precise components with unique design elements.

• Joining areas possess identical material properties, including Young's modulus and strength.
• Hidden internal cavities, such as cooling channels, are possible.
• Components feature high strength, extreme stiffness, and reliability at minimal weight.
• Complex and finely detailed structures smaller than 1 mm can be achieved.
• Large-scale parts can be monolithically manufactured up to 950 × 950 × 650 mm and larger using proprietary joining technologies.

Material Properties

• Extremely homogeneous material suitable for large-scale parts.
• Closed porosity meets water and gas tightness requirements.
• Superior impurity levels achieved by using semiconductor-grade constituents.

Mirror with central metal connector and fusion bonding for internal cooling Channels. Image Credit: Kyocera International Inc.

Structural frame for measurement optic. Image Credit: Kyocera International Inc.

Source: Kyocera International Inc.

Silicon Carbide (SiC)

The excellent SSiC material properties make applications requiring high mechanical and chemical resistance up to 1600 °C possible.

Material Properties

• Chemical Resistance: Outstanding resistance to both basic and acidic materials, making it suitable for harsh environments.
• High-Temperature Performance: Exceptional performance at high temperatures, meeting the demanding needs of the aerospace industry for large-scale parts.

Extraordinary specific stiffness allows large structural components. Image Credit: Kyocera International Inc.

Source: Kyocera International Inc.

Chemical Resistance

Image Credit: Kyocera International Inc.

Alumina (Al₂o₃) and Zirconia (Zro₂)

Kyocera’s oxide ceramics offer operational safety, reliability, and long lifespans.

Brazed oxide ceramic-to-metal assemblies combine the excellent properties of both ceramics and metals. Ceramics provide electrical insulation, while metal components offer weldability. This combination supports a wide range of applications, including vacuum, high-voltage, and high-pressure environments.

Material Properties

• Low dielectric loss at high frequency
• Mechanical strength
• Good thermal conductivity
• Excellent electrical resistance
• High chemical resistance
• Good thermal shock resistance at high and low temperatures

Pressure sensor for aerospace. Image Credit: Kyocera International Inc.

Source: Kyocera International Inc.

Space and Astronomy Applications

In the harsh environment of space, extreme temperatures and cosmic rays render most organic materials ineffective for critical applications. Kyocera’s high-performance ceramics provide the solution to these challenges.

Kyocera's technical ceramics, used in components such as ceramic tubes for oxygen sensors, battery insulators, telescope spacers, and satellite applications, deliver the reliability and performance essential for space-specific applications. Kyocera takes pride in supporting the explorers who unravel the mysteries of the universe with cutting-edge solutions.

Camera Lens Spacer

The Subaru Telescope, an 8.2-meter (320-inch) optical-infrared flagship telescope operated by the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ), is located at the Mauna Kea Observatory in Hawaii.

In 2012, when NAOJ installed the new super wide-angle camera “Hyper Suprime-Cam (HSC)” in the Subaru Telescope, two design requirements for adaptive optics were essential: a larger lens aperture and a lighter lens.

Kyocera’s cordierite was selected as the optimal material to meet these requirements. Its superior characteristics allowed for a slim design with sufficient material strength and rigidity to support the lens structure, while also minimizing deformation due to temperature fluctuations.

Subaru Telescope on Hawaii equipped with Kyocera's cordierite ceramics. Image Credit: ©NAOJ

Subaru Telescope on Hawaii equipped with Kyocera's cordierite ceramics. Image Credit: ©NAOJ

Optical Systems, Including Mirrors

Kyocera has engineered diffraction-limited off-axis reflective optical systems, including mirrors, mirror holders, and optical benches, entirely from cordierite materials using its precise assembly technology.

Cordierite was chosen for its excellent "athermal property," which ensures stable optical performance across varying temperatures due to its monoclinic structure. This extremely low thermal expansion ceramic was processed to create cordierite mirrors coated with metal (Au), as illustrated in the images.

Additionally, Kyocera can produce larger cordierite mirrors exceeding 1 meter in diameter, featuring a lightweight design and the necessary surface roughness. These advanced structures are anticipated to be integrated into large telescopes (30 meters) and space telescopes in the near future.

Optical bench from different perspectives. Image Credit: Kyocera International Inc.

Camera Housing Made of F99.7

Kyocera's in-house 5-axis CNC machining, combined with ultrasonic processing, enables the production of complex components such as camera housings. The unique permeability of ceramics for electromagnetic radiation is particularly beneficial in these applications. It allows electromagnetic waves from the sensors inside the housing to pass through to the outside, while minimizing the reflection of radar beams from the outside, thus reducing the detection of aircraft.

Camera housing. Image Credit: Kyocera International Inc.

Insulators for Ion Thrusters

The high electrical insulation and thermal strength of Kyocera's F99.7 alumina material make it ideal for use in ion thruster components. Due to its minimal desorption and leakage rates, it guarantees excellent performance in ultra-high vacuum conditions. Additionally, ceramics can be combined with metals when necessary to meet specific application requirements.

Tubes, rods, and capillaries for high-temperature applications. Image Credit: Kyocera International Inc.

Customized Parts

Low weight, high corrosion resistance, and high mechanical strength make Kyocera's ceramic materials ideal for space applications. Kyocera excels in providing specific solutions, leveraging years of experience as a manufacturer of both customized and standard components to deliver superior solutions for a wide range of tasks.

Beam position monitor. Image Credit: Kyocera International Inc.

Ceramic Materials with Outstanding Properties

Image Credit: Kyocera International Inc.

¹ High strength and corrosion resistance at elevated temperatures.

² High strength at temperatures < 800 °C in vacuum or de-oxidation atmosphere.

³ Versatile material that can be used in various temperature ranges.

⁴ High strength and fracture toughness even at elevated temperatures.

⁵ Good fracture toughness under high stresses 6 High rigidity and 0% shrinkage in sintering for precision parts.

Key Properties

• High-temperature resistance
• Extraordinary specific stiffness
• Temperature change resistance

Ceramics chart shows compressive strength. This is an excerpt of "The Mechanical Properties of Natural Materials. I. Material Property Charts" M. F. Ashby, L. J. Gibson, U. Wegst and R. Olive Proceedings: Mathematical and Physical Sciences Vol. 450, No. 1938 (Jul. 8, 1995), pp. 123-140 (18 pages) Ceramics chart shows compressive strength Published by: Royal Society

Vertical Integrated Production

Kyocera is one of the few companies in the market that performs all production steps in-house. This vertical integration allows Kyocera to maintain extensive control over its technologies, quality, and production processes.

Kyocera's diverse range of measurement and evaluation technologies and resources not only supports the quality improvement of its ceramic parts but also enhances customer products and research and development efforts. The company has strong problem-solving capabilities for a wide range of challenges.

Vertically integrated production from raw material to the final product. Image Credit: Kyocera International Inc.