Pitch-Based Carbon Fiber Reinforced Composites: Application Example - Space Telescopes
Ultra-high-modulus pitch-based carbon fibers are characterized not only by their exceptionally high elastic modulus but also by an extremely low coefficient of thermal expansion. When incorporated into composite materials, these properties enable the design of structural components with virtually zero thermal expansion.
Such components are particularly effective in space, where thermal environments are extremely harsh. (※1)
These zero-thermal-expansion components are also being used in a ground-based verification project for optical communication technologies aimed at future lunar exploration. (※2)
Application Examples in the Design and Manufacturing of Space Telescopes
Composite Tailors Co., Ltd. designs and manufactures space telescopes in which conventional materials are replaced with carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP).
The telescopes and components produced by Composite Tailors utilize composite materials that combine Mitsubishi Chemical's pitch-based carbon fibers with the cyanate ester resin matrix "#290."
This material system has enabled significant weight reduction as well as substantial improvements in production efficiency. These telescopes and components are scheduled to be exhibited at JEC World 2026.
