Micrometeoroid Satellite (Explorer XVI) Stainless-Steel Penetration Rate Experiment

Abstract

A successful experiment to assess the meteoroid hazard to thin stainless- steel skin material was flown as part of the Explorer XVI satellite. A total initial area of 3.625 square feet consisting of 0.001-, 0.003-, and 0.006-inch- thick AlSl 304 stainless-steel segments was exposed in space for a period of 221 days. The 0.001-inch-thick surface experienced six penetrations, the 0.003-inch-thick surface experienced one penetration, and the 0.006-inch-thick surface experienced zero penetrations. This report describes the results of the experiment and the conclusions drawn from the results.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 01, 1964
Accession Number
ADA398729

Entities

People

  • Elmer H. Davison
  • Paul C. Winslow Jr

Organizations

  • National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Sensors
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aeronautics
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Beryllium
  • Earth Orbits
  • Experimental Data
  • Foreign Languages
  • Interrogation
  • Lead Wires
  • Materials
  • Measurement
  • Solar Ultraviolet Radiation
  • Spacecraft
  • Stainless Steel
  • Telemetry
  • Time Intervals
  • Ultraviolet Radiation
  • Vehicles

Readers

  • Explosive Engineering.
  • Groundwater Contamination Remediation.
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Satellites