Spacecraft Test Chamber Contamination Study in the AEDC Mark I Facility
Abstract
Recent results of a contamination study in the Arnold Engineering Development Center Mark I space simulation chamber are presented. The measurements were associated with the Global Positioning System satellite test conducted in the Mark I facility between April 6, 1977, and July 24, 1977. Multiple internal reflection spectroscopy (MIRS) internal reflection elements (IRE's), thermal control surface witness plates, and quartz crystal microbalances (QCM's) were used to measure contaminants condensible during an extended chamber evacuation. An automatic particle counter was used to measure airborne particle density when the chamber was at atmospheric pressure. The nonvolatile residue wipe technique was employed to determine the general cleanliness of the chamber hardware. Temperature of the IRE's during chamber operation was between 150 and 200 K. One QCM was temperature controlled to a temperature of 238 K; the other QCM operated at 135 K. After chamber repressurization, the IRE's were scanned in the 2- to 15- micrometer wavelength region. Resulting spectra indicated a coating of diffusion pump fluid (DC704) at a concentration level just above the limit of detectability.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1980
- Accession Number
- ADA079638
Entities
People
- D. F. Frazine
- E. N. Borson
- J. G. Pipes
- L. H. Rachal
- R. P. Young
Organizations
- Arnold Engineering Development Complex