Effects and Control of Contamination From a Scaled MOL Translational Thruster in a Longitudinal Orientation
Abstract
A test was conducted to determine the effects and control of contamination produced by a 1-lb scaled Manned Orbital Laboratory thruster. The test required firing the 1-lb translational thruster for 205 sec continuously and pulsing in its longitudinal position and determining the effects of contaminates from the thruster impinging on optical and thermal control surface test specimens located on a flat plate exposed to the thruster exhaust plume. The contamination ejected from the thruster in steady-state operation was much less than that of pulse-mode operation. Fences were used on the test plate to shield specimens from the thruster exhaust plume. In situ reflectance, emittance, and transmittance measurements were made on the optical and thermal control surface test specimens surfaces under vacuum conditions and at atmospheric pressure. Pretest and posttest laboratory measurements were made at atmospheric conditions. Contamination deposited on the plate was focused along and near the axis of the thruster. Contamination was ejected from the thruster at the startup of the engine in the steady-state operation. A 1.5-in. - high by 24-in. -long fence shielded specimens on the panel satisfactorily as opposed to a 0.75-in. -high fence. The in situ reflectance and transmittance measurements on the specimens at the simulated altitude were more realistic of the contamination encountered by the specimens from the thruster exhaust than the atmospherical posttest laboratory measurements.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1969
- Accession Number
- AD0861021
Entities
People
- Dale K. Smith
- David W. Hill Jr.