Abstract: A multilayer coating for a metallic surface of a component is provided. The multilayer coating includes a first coating having a metal nitride. The first coating at least partially overlaps the metallic surface. The multilayer coating also includes a second coating having a metal. The second coating at least partially overlaps the first coating. The multilayer coating further includes a third coating having a Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) material. The third coating at least partially overlaps the second coating. The first coating, the second coating, and the third coating differ from one another with respect to at least one of hardness, elasticity, corrosion resistance, and lubricity. The multilayer coating includes at least ten overlapping layers having successive layers of the first coating, the second coating, and the third coating in repeating sequence.

Abstract: A positioning boom disposed between a space-based observatory platform and its instrument payload provides thermal and dynamic isolation as well as fine pointing and momentum control. The inventive system isolates a sensitive payload from a warm, dynamically noisy spacecraft, which includes a sunshield. Isolation is required in terms of dynamics and heat flow, both in terms of the absolute level and its variance (thermal isolation). The present invention provides intrinsic control over momentum buildup (which is due to the separation of the center of pressure from the center of mass). The space-based platform also provides a view (field of regard) to at least half the sky (in the anti-sun direction).

Abstract: A positioning boom disposed between a space-based observatory platform and its instrument payload provides thermal and dynamic isolation as well as fine pointing and momentum control. The inventive system isolates a sensitive payload from a warm, dynamically noisy spacecraft, which includes a sunshield. Isolation is required in terms of dynamics and heat flow, both in terms of the absolute level and its variance (thermal isolation). The present invention provides intrinsic control over momentum buildup (which is due to the separation of the center of pressure from the center of mass). The space-based platform also provides a view (field of regard) to at least half the sky (in the anti-sun direction).