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Degradation of Spacecraft Materials in the Space Environment

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 January 2011

Sharon K.R. Miller  and
Bruce Banks
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Abstract

When we think of space, we typically think of a vacuum containing very little matter that lies between the Earth and other planetary and stellar bodies. However, the space above Earth's breathable atmosphere and beyond contains many things that make designing durable spacecraft a challenge. Depending on where the spacecraft is flying, it may encounter atomic oxygen, ultraviolet and other forms of radiation, charged particles, micrometeoroids and debris, and temperature extremes. These environments on their own and in combination can cause degradation and failure of polymers, composites, paints and other materials used on the exterior of spacecraft for thermal control, structure, and power generation. This article briefly discusses and gives examples of some of the degradation experienced on spacecraft and flight experiments as a result of the space environment and the use of ground and space data to predict durability.

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Bulletin , Volume 35 , Issue 1: Materials Issues in the Space Environment , January 2010 , pp. 20 - 24
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2010

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