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Preliminary findings of the LDEF Materials Special Investigation GroupThe retrieval of NASA's LDEF from low Earth orbit provided an opportunity for the study of long duration space environmental effects on materials. The five year, nine month flight of the LDEF greatly enhanced the potential value of most LDEF materials. NASA recognized this potential by forming the LDEF Space Environmental Effects on Materials Special Investigation Group (MSIG). Its goal is to explore the expanded materials analysis opportunities available in the LDEF structure and on experiment trays. The charter and scope of MSIG activities is presented, followed by an overview of the preliminary MSIG observations. These observations of low Earth orbit environmental effects on materials were made in-space during LDEF retrieval and during LDEF tray disintegration. Also presented are initial findings of lab analyses of LDEF materials. Included are effects of individual environmental parameters: atomic oxygen, ultraviolet radiation, meteoroid and debris impacts, thermal cycling, vacuum, and contamination, plus combined effects of these parameters. Materials considered include anodized aluminum, polymer matrix composites, polymer films, silvered Teflon thermal blankets, and a white thermal control paint.
Document ID
19920015564
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Stein, Bland A.
(NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Pippin, H. Gary
(Boeing Co. Seattle, WA., United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1992
Publication Information
Publication: LDEF: 69 Months in Space. First Post-Retrieval Symposium, Part 2
Subject Category
Spacecraft Design, Testing And Performance
Accession Number
92N24807
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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