Nippon Electric Glass has developed BDX-3, an ultra-thin glass for space. It suppresses radiation-induced discoloration and improves UV shielding performance compared with the previous BDX-2. The product is intended for use from low Earth orbit through medium and high orbits, and paid sample sales have begun.
Nippon Electric Glass announced that it has developed BDX-3 under the Starveil brand as a new ultra-thin cover glass for space. Its features include a function that suppresses radiation-induced discoloration of the glass and higher UV shielding performance than the previous BDX-2.
The product is intended for use in a broad range of space environments, focusing on low Earth orbit while also covering medium and high orbits, and paid sample sales have begun. The company said it aims to secure volume adoption in satellites and other applications in the future.
BDX-3 has a thickness of 100 μm and a transmittance at a wavelength of 300 nm of 0.1%, compared with 20% for BDX-2, demonstrating stronger UV shielding performance. It is designed to both suppress radiation-induced discoloration and mitigate the reduction in transmittance.
The company plans to proceed with evaluations of paid samples and link these to product development tailored to demand for space equipment and volume adoption.