Lessons Learned from the Long Duration Exposure Facility

Abstract

The Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) was launched by the space shuttle in April 1984 and recovered in January 1990. There were 57 experiments containing over 10,000 specimens to test the effects of the space environment on materials, components, and systems. Originally planned for one year, the exposure actually lasted almost six years. While many LDEF investigations are continuing, results to date have given valuable information on long-term performance in orbit. Results from the LDEF investigators and the Special Investigation Groups are briefly summarized along with potential benefits from LDEF for future missions.... Space environmental effects, Materials, Long duration, Exposure facility

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 15, 1993
Accession Number
ADA266026

Entities

People

  • Wayne K. Stuckey

Organizations

  • The Aerospace Corporation

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Composite Materials
  • Databases
  • Elliptical Orbits
  • Ionizing Radiation
  • Leading Edges
  • Low Earth Orbits
  • Mass Spectrometry
  • Materials
  • Mechanics
  • Optical Materials
  • Optical Properties
  • Radiation
  • Space Environments
  • Spacecraft
  • Spectra
  • Spectroscopy
  • Tensile Strength

Readers

  • Defense Acquisition Program Management
  • Exercise and Sports Science.
  • Military Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Satellites