Publication Date:
2006-02-14
Description:
Two samples of 2 mil aluminized/Kapton thermal blanket and two samples of Teflon were received for evaluation. Their location on the solar maximum is given. The Kapton top layer of the thermal blanket had been exposed to the LEO atomic oxygen environment and shows the surface degradation due to atomic oxygen attack resulting in a diffuse character over most of the surface. The backside Kapton layer which was unexposed appeared to the eye to be in virgin condition. Another sample exhibited similar properties, but was, in large part, covered with Kapton adhesive tape and it was not possible to obtain usable specimens for analysis. One of the Teflon samples which was exposed shows signs of heavy degradation including attack on the Ag/Inconel backside by ultraviolet and atomic oxygen. The other Teflon sample which was unexposed was only slightly fogged on the Teflon side and the Ag/Inconel appeared untouched. These samples were subjected to several chemical and physical analyses, the results of which are discussed.
Keywords:
SPACECRAFT DESIGN, TESTING AND PERFORMANCE
Type:
NASA. Goddard Space Flight Center Proceedings of the SMRM Degradation Study Workshop; p 287-316
Format:
text
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