| Aware |
- Recognises key terms and fundamental concepts related to material properties in various environments and configurations, such as coefficients of thermal expansion, radiation tolerance, tensile strength, and material fatigue.
- Can describe the general importance of material selection and manipulation for spacecraft applications.
- Can describe the challenges materials face in space environments, including radiation exposure, thermal cycling, microgravity effects, outgassing, and atomic oxygen erosion.
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| Practitioner |
- Can identify and analyse the properties of various materials (e.g. metals, polymers, ceramics, composites) and apply this knowledge to meet spacecraft design and operational requirements.
- Can apply standard practices to manipulate material properties, ensuring compliance with specifications such as thermal management, weight optimisation, and structural integrity.
- Can conduct required testing of materials, including tensile, thermal, and radiation testing, as well as environmental simulations in thermal vacuum chambers.
- Can explain the impact of material performance on spacecraft subsystems, such as thermal protection systems, propulsion, and power generation.
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| Senior Practitioner |
- Can select and manipulate materials to meet stringent spacecraft requirements, considering factors such as thermal, mechanical, and chemical properties.
- Can troubleshoot and resolve complex issues related to material performance, such as cracking, deformation, or degradation, ensuring mission reliability and safety.
- Can plan comprehensive testing protocols, such as radiation resistance testing, fracture toughness evaluation, and hypervelocity impact tests for micrometeoroid protection.
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| Expert |
- Can innovate and develop new methodologies and technologies for understanding, testing, and manipulating material properties for spacecraft.
- Can drive advancements in industry standards and best practices for material testing, validation, and certification.
- Can lead multidisciplinary teams to address emerging challenges, such as sustainable material sourcing, in-orbit material performance monitoring, and the development of lightweight, high-strength alternatives.
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