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Self-contamination and environment of an orbiting satellite.The flux of molecules emitted by the satellite and subsequently returning to its surface is investigated. The reflection occurs upon collision of these with ambient molecules. The evaluation of this flux is carried out from a knowledge of the outgassing rate of the satellite, its dimensions, and the orbit parameters. Condensation rates and adsorption layers on critical surfaces are calculated from the knowledge of this flux, and from the natures and temperatures of the gas and the surface. The calculation of these parameters, based on estimated and in some cases measured emission rates, has been carried out for a number of satellites. These developed relationships and graphs allow the estimation of several important parameters for an orbiting satellite. This report presents the pressures and densities at various distances from the satellite as produced by the surrounding ambient molecules and by the outgassing of the satellite.
Document ID
19720048204
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Scialdone, J. J.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, Md., United States)
Date Acquired
August 6, 2013
Publication Date
April 1, 1972
Subject Category
Space Vehicles
Accession Number
72A31870
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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