Degradation of materials properties in space-overview of LDEF (Long Duration Exposure Facility)This paper presents an overview of the initial observations of the Long Duration Exposure Facility and, in particular, the degradation of the onboard materials. The LDEF was retrieved from space on January 12, 1990, during the Space Shuttle STS Mission 32 after having remained in space for almost 6 years. Ongoing studies of this retrieved hardware are providing a wealth of basic science data on the environments of near-earth space and the synergistic effects of these space environments on a large array of typical spacecraft materials and systems.
Document ID
19920069178
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Kinard, William H. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
O'Neal, Robert L. (Lockheed Engineering and Sciences Co. Hampton, VA, United States)
Martin, Glenna D. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)