Temperature-controlled quartz crystal microbalance measurements on Space Transport System (STS-2)
Abstract
The purpose of the Temperature-Controlled Quartz Crystal Microbalance (TQCM) system on STS-2 was to measure condensible molecular flux in the payload bay of the Space Shuttle as a function of temperature, direction, and time. Five quartz crystal microbalance sensors were located in the IECM to measure molecular adsorption in each of the Orbiter axes, +X (fore), -X (aft), +Y (starboard), -Y (port), and -Z (up, perpendicular to payload bay). The temperature of each sensor was controlled by a thermoelectric device so contamination could be measured as a function of four preset temperatures: +30, 0, -30, and -60 C. When orbital altitude was reached, the TQCM sensors began their orbital measuring cycle routine. The sensors were commanded to 80 C for 30 min, which was used as an initial clean-up. They were then stepped through a program of 2-nr collection periods at each temperature with a 30-min, 80 C period between each collection period. The collection periods progressed in descending order from +30 to -60 C and, then the cycle was repeated. Since the STS-2 orbital phase lasted approximately 53 hrs, the TQCM system completed four cycles and was in the fifth when the mission was terminated.
- Publication:
-
Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE) Conference Series
- Pub Date:
- 1983
- Bibcode:
- 1983SPIE..337...24F
- Keywords:
-
- Flux Quantization;
- In-Flight Monitoring;
- Microbalances;
- Space Shuttle Payloads;
- Spacecraft Contamination;
- Spacecraft Instruments;
- Adsorption;
- Frequency Response;
- Molecules;
- Space Transportation System 2 Flight;
- Temperature Control;
- Time Response;
- Spacecraft Instrumentation