On-Orbit Midcourse Space Experiment (MSX) Satellite Environment Flight Experiments
Abstract
The Midcourse Space Experiment (MSX) satellite was launched on April 24,1996. This paper describes some of the on-orbit contamination experiments executed during the first 21.5 months after launch. There were 14 different experiments that were planned in detail prior to launch and were later carried out using the time provided and the priority given. In addition to those experiments, there were other experiments that were created during the life cycle of the cryogenic telescope such as the SPIRIT 3 End of Cryogenic Operations Test (SECOT). The experiments described in this paper will be only those associated with the quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) instruments. The cryo period included the time from launch through the lifetime of the SPIRIT 3 cryogenic telescope. MSX was launched with the SPIRIT 3 telescope already cold. The cryo period lasted for approximately 10 months and ended when the dewar containing solid hydrogen warmed up to a temperature above 12K. The five QCMs on board the satellite provided data that have been invaluable in characterizing contamination levels around the spacecraft and inside the SPIRIT 3 cryogenic telescope. One of the QCMs, the CQCM, was located internal to the SPIRIT 3 cryogenic telescope and was mounted adjacent to the primary mirror. Real time monitoring of contaminant mass deposition on the primary mirror was provided by the CQCM, which was cooled to the same temperature as the mirror - approx. 20 K. Thermogravimetric analyses (TGAs) on the CQCM provided insight into the amount and species of contaminants condensed on the SPIRIT 3 primary mirror. The four TQCMs were mounted on the outside of the spacecraft for monitoring contaminant deposition on the external surfaces. The TQCMs operated at approx. -50 deg C and were positioned strategically to monitor the silicone and organic contaminant flux arriving at specific locations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 14, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA370963
Entities
People
- B. E. Wood
- D. F. Hall
- J. C. Lesho
- J. S. Dyer
- O. M. Uy
Organizations
- American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics