SMART-FLEX aims at developing a radically new type of Optical Solar Reflector (OSR), that combines the flexibility and ease of use of Silver / Teflon foils with the performance and durability of quartz tile OSRs and with the temperature variable emissivity of Smart Radiation Devices. The new OSR will consist of an extremely thin, fully inorganic, metamaterial coating deposited on the first, space-facing surface of a flexible foil. The SMART-FLEX product that we envision is implemented on a 2 MIL foil of A4 or larger format, with an integrated pressure sensitive and conductive adhesive on the back side, and can be easily applied on the outer skin of radiator panels, or on other planar, curved or bendable structure directly exposed to the space environment.

META-REFLECTOR aims at developing a radically new technology to produce Optical Solar Reflectors (OSRs) and to govern the thermo-optical properties of the interface between the spacecraft and the space environment. Based on an extremely thin, first surface meta-material coating, the new meta-OSR will combine the performance and durability of traditional quartz OSRs, with the ease of use of Silver / Teflon, flexible OSRs. Furthermore, meta-OSRs will be implementable on a wide range of mechanical supports, including very thin (1 MIL) plastic foils that are not transparent (and therefore incompatible with the standard OSR second surface solutions), and plastic foils that, unlike Kapton and Teflon, are not subject to any commercial restriction. Finally, the new meta-OSR will integrate, on demand, Smart Radiator Device functions, that is ability to adapt its emissivity depending on temperature (low emissivity in the cold phase, high emissivity in the hot phase), without the intervention of an active thermal control system. The project team includes: a) a private research center, with a sound expertise in thermo-optical coatings for space applications; b) an university research group specialized in nanophotonics and in metamaterial design and development; c) a SME specialized in the fabrication of photonic nano-patterns by large area techniques; d) a major system integrator with a clear view of the market and the needs of the space industry. Furthermore, the project involves in an Advisory Board other industrial space actors with competences in niche markets that can take specific advantages from the meta-OSR technology.

While time is an important factor for successful outcome of the crime investigation, the traditional forensic examinations are usually time consuming. It can be very problematic when investigations are underway and quick results are needed. Traces must be detected on-site as soon as possible before they degrade and loose forensic information important for criminal investigation. Based on the results of the FORLAB project, the aim of the RISEN project is the development of a set of real-time contactless sensors for the optimization of the trace, detection, visualisation, identification and interpretation on site, with a consequent reduction of the time and resources in the laboratory, and for a fast exchange of information among LEAs. The new proposed approach could be applied to the classical forensic investigations and to disaster sites, e.g. after a terrorist attack. The objectives of the RISEN project will be obtained by: -Developing and demonstrating contactless, non-destructive, automated sensors to identify, select and label trace materials; -Processing and sending in real-time acquired in-situ data to a 3D Augmented Crime Scene Investigation system to produce an interactive 3D model of the scene with position and labelling of traces and relative results of the on-site analysis. The recreated 3D model of the scene resorts to augmented reality techniques for sensor data, collected evidence and identified points of interest in order to deliver a realistic and immersive visual environment for investigators, allowing them to conduct highly detailed investigations. The crime scenes, with analytical information from traces, will be digitally frozen to be available at any time for several purposes in the criminal justice system. The identified traces will be digitally marked and inventoried, and a digitalised Chain of Custody will be established in real-time implementing mechanisms that assure data integrity over its lifecycle.