Nippon Electric Glass Co., Ltd. (NEG) (TOKYO: 5214) has developed “BDX-3,” a new Starveil™ ultra-thin cover glass for space applications. BDX-3 is designed to reduce radiation-induced discoloration while providing greater ultraviolet (UV) shielding performance than BDX-2. While primarily intended for low Earth orbit (LEO), it can also be used in medium Earth orbit (MEO) and high Earth orbit, making it suitable for a wider range of space environments.

Samples are now available for purchase, and NEG aims to achieve commercial adoption of BDX-3 in satellites and other spaceborne equipment.

About BDX-3

Satellites and other equipment operating in space are exposed to intense UV radiation and other forms of radiation. Low Earth orbit is widely used for Earth observation and communications, medium Earth orbit for positioning systems, and high Earth orbit for communications and weather observation.

Cover glass used in these environments must not only protect precision equipment from harsh conditions, but also maintain high optical transmittance even after prolonged radiation exposure. BDX-3 is designed to reduce radiation-induced discoloration, helping maintain optical performance across a wider range of space environments.

Main Features

-Reduced radiation-induced discoloration:

BDX-3 reduces radiation-induced discoloration, helping maintain light transmittance.

-Improved UV shielding performance:

Compared with BDX-2, BDX-3 further reduces UV transmission, providing enhanced protection against UV radiation.

Comparison of BDX-2 and BDX-3

 

Wavelengths*

BDX-2

BDX-3

Transmittance (%)

(at 100 µm glass thickness)

400 nm

92

91

300 nm

20

0.1

280 nm

0.1

0.1

Radiation-induced discoloration

Discoloration occurs

Less prone to discoloration

Minimum thickness

30 µm

30 µm

Maximum size

800 mm wide × 2,000 mm long

800 mm wide × 2,000 mm long

Primary operating environment

Primarily LEO

Primarily LEO; also MEO and high Earth orbit

* 280 nm and 300 nm are ultraviolet wavelengths, while 400 nm is near the boundary between ultraviolet and visible light. Lower transmittance means that less light at the corresponding wavelength passes through the glass.

About Starveil™

Starveil™ is NEG’s brand of ultra-thin cover glass for a wide range of spaceborne equipment, including satellite solar cells. It offers excellent UV shielding performance to protect precision equipment in harsh space environments, contributing to extended service life. The product lineup is designed to meet different operating environments and optical transmittance requirements.

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