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The survivability of large space-borne reflectors under atomic oxygen and micrometeoroid impactSolar dynamic power system mirrors for use on Space Station and other spacecraft flown in low earth orbit (LEO) are exposed to the harshness of the LEO environment. Both atomic oxygen and micrometeoroids/space debris can degrade the performance of such mirrors. Protective coatings will be required to protect oxidizable reflecting media, such as silver and aluminum, from atomic oxygen attack. Several protective coating materials have been identified as good candidates for use in this application. The durability of these coating/mirror systems after pinhole defects have been inflicted during their fabrication and deployment or through micrometeoroid/space debris impact once on-orbit is of concern. Studies of the effect of an oxygen plasma environment on protected mirror surfaces with intentionally induced pinhole defects have been conducted at NASA Lewis and are reviewed. It has been found that oxidation of the reflective layer and/or the substrate in areas adjacent to a pinhole defect, but not directly exposed by the pinhole, can occur.
Document ID
19870044026
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Gulino, Daniel A.
(NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Date Acquired
August 13, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1987
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Report/Patent Number
AIAA PAPER 87-0341
Accession Number
87A31300
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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