The behavior of materials in the space environment and our understanding of this behavior continues to be a limiting technology for spacecraft and experiments. The Thermal Control Surfaces Experiment (TCSE) aboard the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) is the most comprehensive experiment flown to study the effects of the space environment on thermal control surfaces. Selected thermal control surfaces were exposed to the LDEF orbital environment and the effects of this exposure measured. The TCSE combined in-space optical measurements with pre- and post-flight analyses of flight materials to determine the effects of long term space exposure. Many of the samples underwent significant changes in appearance as well as optical and mechanical properties.
Thermal Control Surfaces Experiment (S0069) Initial Materials Evaluation (Abstract Only)
1991
1 pages
Report
Keine Angabe
Englisch
Coatings, Colorants, & Finishes , Astronautics , Aerospace environments , Chemical analysis , Erosion , Exposure , Long duration exposure facility , Matrix materials , Oxygen , Polymeric films , Thermal control coatings , Mechanical properties , Optical measurement , Optical properties , Resins , Spaceborne experiments