Atomic Oxygen Erosion of EVA-stranded Soft-goods on the ISS
John Alred
NASA Johnson Space Center
John Alred is the Deputy Chief of the Materials and Processes Branch of the Johnson Space Center.
Abstract
On more than one occasion, crew during Extravehicular Activities (EVA) outside the International Space Station (ISS) have stranded soft-goods known to degrade due to atomic oxygen exposures. Often, these items are left... [ view full abstract ]
On more than one occasion, crew during Extravehicular Activities (EVA) outside the International Space Station (ISS) have stranded soft-goods known to degrade due to atomic oxygen exposures. Often, these items are left purposely to support a mission activity. Once, the EVA terminated early, prompting the leaving of a soft-goods tool bag outside. In all cases, these soft-goods items had life limits for EVA use and exposure to the ISS external environments. All of these items were eventually returned inside ISS for storage. However, the ISS Program desired to know the condition and reusability of these items. Samples sent to the ground revealed a much more pristine condition that expected from the material composition and the duration of exposure. This paper will discuss the laboratory investigation on returned samples as well as the factors discovered that led to the conclusion of life extension for these soft-goods.
Authors
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John Alred
(NASA Johnson Space Center)
Topic Areas
Observations , Ionosphere, Neutral Atmosphere, Planetary , Atmospheric Effects (e.g., drag, AO, sputtering, glow)
Session
Session 8 » Observations (09:30 - Thursday, 18th May)
Paper
ASEC_Extended_Abstract.doc
Presentation Files
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