Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
- Discipline
Articles 1 - 2 of 2
Full-Text Articles in Engineering
The Effects Of Atomic Oxygen On Patch Antenna Performance And Lifetime, Max J. Barta
The Effects Of Atomic Oxygen On Patch Antenna Performance And Lifetime, Max J. Barta
Master's Theses
The space environment is a volatile and challenging place for satellites to survive in. For Low Earth Orbiting (LEO) satellites, atomic oxygen (AO) is a constant corrosive effect that degrades the outer surface of satellites over long durations. Atomic oxygen exists in the atmosphere between 180 and 675 km and has a relatively high energy at 4.5 eV, which allows AO to break molecular bonds in materials on the surfaces of spacecraft. As the number and complexity of CubeSat missions increase, there is an increased risk that AO degradation on commercial off the shelf parts (COTS), such as antenna, could …
Atomic Oxygen Effects On Particulate Contamination And Short Beam Strength Of Carbon Composites, Marlee K. Litzinger
Atomic Oxygen Effects On Particulate Contamination And Short Beam Strength Of Carbon Composites, Marlee K. Litzinger
Master's Theses
In order to design a successful space system, the unique challenges of the space environment it will operate in must be considered during the design process. Atomic oxygen (AO) is a detrimental environmental effect found in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) that affects spacecraft surfaces by oxidizing and eroding material over time, particularly polymers. Carbon fiber/epoxy composites are a commonly used spacecraft material affected by AO exposure. Carbon composites are used as a structural material, such as on solar panels; their large surface area therefore is a potential contamination source to sensitive components. The Space Environments and Testing Lab at California …