I.S.T Corporation presents its polyimide material portfolio at SATShow Week 2026 (March 24 to 26, Walter E. Washington Convention Center). The exhibit includes TORMED, a transparent polyimide film validated in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), and IMIDETEX, a polyimide-based composite developed for high-stress environments.
TORMED completes one year of exposure testing in LEO on the International Space Station through a program conducted by the Austrian Academy of Sciences. The material is also integrated into commercial satellite solar cell programs, marking its transition from orbital testing to operational use.
TORMED Transparent Polyimide Film
TORMED is produced using I.S.T’s proprietary polyimide synthesis process and is engineered for sustained performance in space environments. The material combines optical transparency with resistance to radiation and ultraviolet exposure, ultra-low outgassing, low dielectric properties, thermal cycling stability, and mechanical flexibility. These properties support use in spacecraft systems that require optical performance, environmental durability, and material compatibility.
Satellite Applications
TORMED supports multiple satellite design applications:
- Solar panel coverlays: Transparent and lightweight films enable efficient power generation while supporting long-term exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
- Optical Solar Reflectors (OSR): Stable transparency and adhesion support thermal control surfaces that require consistent optical performance.
- Flexible transparent antennas: High-temperature resistance enables antenna structures to be integrated directly onto solar panels or spacecraft surfaces without compromising functionality.
IMIDETEX Polyimide Composite Material
IMIDETEX is a polyimide-based composite designed for structural applications requiring dimensional control and environmental stability. The material provides controlled thermal expansion, vibration damping, and compatibility with advanced composite architectures. Key material characteristics include reduced density relative to carbon fiber, negative coefficient of thermal expansion, high radio-frequency transparency compared with glass fiber, impact resistance, and vibration attenuation under dynamic loads.
System-Level Design Implications
Together, TORMED and IMIDETEX support satellite architectures that prioritize reduced mass, integrated functionality, and environmental resilience without relying on conventional material trade-offs.
I.S.T Corporation exhibits these materials at Booth 2637 during SATShow Week 2026.
Click here to know more about I.S.T
Click here to know more about TORMED
Click here to know more about IMIDETEX
