Abstract Elemental analyses of impactor residues on high purity surfaces exposed to the LEO environment for 5.8 years on LDEF has revealed several probable sources for microparticles at this altitude, including natural micrometeorites and manmade debris ranging from paint pigments to bits of stainless steel. A myriad of contamination interferences were identified and their effects on impactor debris identification mitigated during the course of this study. These interferences included pre-, post- and in-flight deposited particulate surface contaminants, as well as indigenous heterogeneous material contaminants. Non-flight contaminants traced to human origins, including spittle and skin oils, contributed significant levels of alkali-rich carbonaceous interferences. A ubiquitous layer of in-flight deposited silicaceous contamination varied in thickness with LDEF location and proximity to active electrical fields. In-flight deposited (low velocity) contaminants included urine droplets and bits of metal film from eroded thermal blankets.
Contaminant interferences with SIMS analyses of microparticle impactor residues on LDEF surfaces
Advances in Space Research ; 13 , 8 ; 115-118
01.01.1993
4 pages
Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
Analytical Electron Microscopy of LDEF Impactor Residues
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