Sulfide Corrosion of Silver Contacts during Satellite Storage

Abstract

Delays in satellite launchings may require satellites to be stored on the ground for up to 6 years, and, in some instances, electrical scratchy noise on pure silver electrical connectors may develop in as little as 6 months. This problem has been attributed to the growth of silver sulfide, Ag2S, a semiconductor, on the silver contact surfaces. We offer suggestions that could improve storage specifications for satellites where Ag2S might be reduced to a level (thickness) where it does not pose a problem. This review of Ag2S growth might also be applicable to other satellite components where silver Ag is present, e.g., mirrors. Keywords: Corrosion; Films; Electric contacts.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 25, 1988
Accession Number
ADA196217

Entities

People

  • Reinhold Bauer

Organizations

  • The Aerospace Corporation

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artificial Satellites
  • Chemical Compounds
  • Chemical Kinetics
  • Chemical Reactions
  • Chemistry
  • Compound Semiconductors
  • Conductivity
  • Corporations
  • Electrical Properties
  • Materials
  • Materials Science
  • Physics Laboratories
  • Security
  • Semiconductor Devices
  • Semiconductors
  • Space Systems
  • Water Vapor

Readers

  • Materials Science and Engineering.
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.
  • Surface Coatings Technology.

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics
  • Microelectronics - Graphene
  • Space
  • Space - Satellites