Evaluation of long-duration exposure to the natural space environment on the mechanical properties of carbon-reinforced epoxy and polyimide composites

Experiment AO175 involved passive exposure of carbon-fiber reinforced laminates of epoxy, bismaleimide, and polyimide resins. The post-flight evaluation includes the following: optical examination of exposed surfaces and polished cross-sections; panel weight and distortion measurements; ultrasonic c-scan inspection; and conventional mechanical testing of coupons machined from the panels.