External spacecraft materials play an important role in protecting satellites from the harsh space environment. These materials undergo changes in their physical, chemical, mechanical, and optical properties due to exposure to various forms of ionizing radiation, electrons, protons with varying energy levels, oxygen ions, micrometeoroids and orbital debris (MMOD), vacuum conditions, and wide temperature fluctuations. Understanding of how these materials evolve in these conditions is crucial for planning long-term space missions. This paper evaluates the impact of radiation in the low Earth orbit (LEO) environment on the properties of both novel and heritage polymer materials. Specifically, it examines the effects of exposure to high-energy electrons, atomic oxygen (AO), and vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) radiation on key material characteristics, including color change, surface roughness, and alterations in surface elemental composition. These materials were part of the 16th Materials International Space Station Experiment (MISSE), conducted from July 2022 to March 2023.


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    Title :

    Comparative Evaluation of Spacecraft Materials Properties Under Simulated and True Space Environments


    Additional title:

    J Astronaut Sci


    Contributors:


    Publication date :

    2024-11-27




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English




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