Partnership to test ultra-resilient materials in space

Composite satellite panels will spend around 12 months in space to test their performance.

FibreCoat, Germany, and Lofith Composites, Spain, are to develop next-generation thermoplastic composites for space. The first orbital demonstration of the joint material is planned for the first half of 2026.

The companies are integrating FibreCoat’s coated fibres into Lofith’s recyclable, high-performance composites to produce lightweight structural materials designed to meet the demands of space.

In the space testing, detectors attached to the panels will track ionising radiation with and without shielding, temperature changes, and other environmental effects. The results will be key to seeing if the materials are ‘space-ready’.

Lofith Composites claims to have a unique impregnation process that delivers up to 50% weight reduction and 30% higher strength compared to aluminium, as well as full recyclability.

The process is also claimed to consume less water than conventional methods.

FibreCoat has developed a novel way to coat metals and plastics onto fibres, thus combining the properties of the fibres and coating material during fibre spinning.