Assembly in Action: Adhesive Provides Window to Universe
Eyesaver International Inc. (Hanover, MA) has played a crucial role in making this vision a reality. The company is laminating 16 to 18 windows that range in size from 21 to 29 inches in diameter and are 1-1/2-inches thick. These windows will be placed in the International Space Station’s laboratory module and cupola. The laboratory module is considered the centerpiece of the station, where experiments will be performed in near zero gravity. With seven windows, the cupola will offer the stations’ crew a view of robotic operations, spacewalks and experiments.
During Eyesaver’s production process, 3M’s (St. Paul, MN) Optically Clear Laminating Adhesive 8141 is applied to a nonhardcoated clear film adhered to the innermost window, referred to as the scratch pane. The scratch pane protects the outer window, and the film is attached to prevent glass from shattering inside the station. Eyesaver laminates the film and sends it to another company where the film is polished. It then solders a conductive bar to the coating around the window to keep the glass warm.