Laboratory and Space Measurements of Materials,
Abstract
The SCATHA(Spacecraft Charging AT High Altitude) data has shown that several dielectric materials responded to the space environment differently than was expected prior to launch. For example, there was a marked increase in the bulk conductivity of Kapton samples that were exposed to the sun in the space vacuum. Teflon accumulated a permanent charge, which resulted in a potential difference that increased with time between it and the satellite frame. A quartz cloth thermal control material was observed to charge to higher levels on orbit than was obtained in pre-launch laboratory tests. Some of the differences between the expected and observed data have been explained by laboratory tests that more accurately model the space environment. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 25, 1983
- Accession Number
- ADP002113
Entities
People
- Joseph F. Fennell
- M. S. Leung
- P. F. Mizera
Organizations
- The Aerospace Corporation