Atomic Oxygen Protective coating techniques
Abstract
Satellites in low Earth orbit are bombarded by high-energy particles, including particles from the sun and from neutral gases such as atomic oxygen (AO). In particular, AO corrodes certain materials, thereby weakening a spacecraft's exterior and potentially damaging its instruments. Polymers are significantly eroded. Polyimide films are widely used as multilayer insulation materials on a spacecraft's exterior, which is exposed directly to the space environment. Despite these interesting properties, polyimide shows poor resistance to AO. Therefore, polyimide is often coated with an additional protective coating for resistance to AO. Such films have unique characteristics that are relevant for different applications. We have researched AO protective coating for preventing from degradation. Space demonstration experiments have been done for this issue. The details of the materials and demonstration results will be presented and discussed in the final paper.
- Publication:
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43rd COSPAR Scientific Assembly. Held 28 January - 4 February
- Pub Date:
- January 2021
- Bibcode:
- 2021cosp...43E2093K