Solar Absorptance of Optical Surfaces Contaminated with Spacecraft Material Outgassing Products
Abstract
As satellite applications become more sophisticated and satellite lifetimes are extended, the roles of contamination prediction and control become increasingly important. Contamination can alter the spectral characteristics of cryogenically cooled optical systems, increase the solar absorptance of thermal control surfaces causing the spacecraft to overheat, or degrade the power output of solar cells. The Solar Absorptance Measurements Chamber was developed to measure the change in integrated solar absorptance of aluminum coated mirrors by condensed outgassing contaminants irradiated by a solar simulator under vacuum. In previous tests, the location of the solar simulator did not allow irradiation of the sample mirror during the contamination phase. The test chamber was modified, and measurements were made to compare the solar absorptance change for samples irradiated during contamination to samples with no irradiation during contamination. Sources of the contaminants were two spacecraft materials, Furane Products Uralane 5753-AB (LV) encapsulant and Dow Corning 93-500 encapsulant.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA267202
Entities
People
- Bobby E. Wood
- W. T. Bertrand
Organizations
- Arnold Engineering Development Complex