Micro‑Y develops integrated always‑on structural health monitoring systems for space structures, embedding thin‑film resistive sensor networks into composite or metallic components and using AI‑driven software to detect micrometeoroid impacts, micro‑cracks, and
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Spacecraft and orbital structures currently rely on periodic external inspections, EVA, or dedicated inspection satellites to assess damage from micrometeoroid impacts, micro‑cracks, and fatigue, which adds significant cost, schedule risk, and limited detection capability.
Solution
Micro‑Y embeds a thin‑film resistive sensor network directly into composite or metallic aerospace components during fabrication, creating an always‑on structural health monitoring system. The sensor array continuously measures resistive changes, enabling real‑time detection of micrometeoroid and orbital debris (MMOD) impacts as well as early crack initiation and fatigue progression. AI‑driven diagnostic software processes the sensor data on‑orbit, providing autonomous health assessments without the need for external inspection hardware. Results are linked to a four‑layer digital‑twin model that uses Bayesian inference to classify anomalies and estimate remaining useful life. The system is engineered to operate reliably under vacuum, extreme thermal cycling, and radiation, eliminating the requirement for active maintenance throughout the mission lifecycle.
Target Audience
Primary customers are launch‑vehicle manufacturers, satellite and on‑orbit platform operators, and developers of lunar or Martian habitats who require continuous, embedded health monitoring of critical structural components.
Features
- Embedded thin‑film resistive sensor layer permanently integrated into composite or metallic structures during fabrication
- Real‑time MMOD impact localisation via time‑of‑arrival triangulation across the sensor network
- Continuous resistive‑change mapping for early detection of crack initiation and fatigue propagation
- Autonomous on‑orbit diagnostics that operate without external inspection vehicles or EVA
- Four‑layer digital‑twin model coupled with Bayesian inference for anomaly classification and remaining‑useful‑life estimation
- Designed for space environment resilience: vacuum, thermal cycling, and radiation tolerance
- Applicable to both composite and metallic aerospace structures without additional retro‑fit hardware