The Solar Maximum Satellite developed electronic problems after operating successfully in space for several years. Astronauts on Space Shuttle mission STS-41C retrieved the satellite into the orbiter cargo bay, replaced defective components, and re-deployed the repaired satellite into orbit. The defective components were returned to Earth for study. The space-exposed surfaces were examined. The approach and objectives were to: document morphology of impact; find and analyze projectile residue; classify impact by origin; determine flux distribution; and determine implications for space exposure. The purpose of the shuttle witness plate experiment was to detect impacts from PAM D2 solid rocket motor; determine flux and size distribution of particles; and determine abrasion effects on various conditions. Results are given for aluminum surfaces, copper surfaces, stainless steel surfaces, Inconel surfaces, and quartz glass surfaces.
Microparticle Impacts in Space: Results from Solar Max and Shuttle Witness Plate Inspections
1989
27 pages
Report
No indication
English
Microparticle impacts upon HST solar cells
Online Contents | 2001
|Microparticle Impacts Upon HST Solar Cells
British Library Conference Proceedings | 2001
|Space Technology - NASA pushes robotic 'eye' to take over shuttle inspections
Online Contents | 2005