Results of apparent atomic oxygen reactions with spacecraft materials during shuttle flight STS-41GThe effect of atomic oxygen interaction experienced by polymeric-based spacecraft materials is described. An experimental package (ACOMEX) flown on shuttle mission STS-41G carried out the investigation of advanced composite specimens such as carbon-epoxy and Kevlar-epoxy both with and without protective coatings added to thermal protective paints and films. Information on the exposure environment of the specimens was provided by a carbon coated atomic oxygen fluence monitor together with a photographic record. Mass loss measurements and photomicrographs made possible the analysis of the effect of interaction. After a total of about 38 hours of equivalent normal exposure at 225 km altitude the results showed that unprotected exposed surfaces exhibited severe erosion and mass loss with the possibility of seriously degrading structural and thermal performance. However, the specimens with a thin fluorocarbon overcoat showed promise of providing a protective barrier to the attack without altering the base properties of the material.
Document ID
19860029665
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Zimcik, D. G. (Department of Communications, Communications Research Centre Ottawa, Canada)
Maag, C. R. (California Institute of Technology Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, United States)