EFFECT OF LOW-EARTH-ORBIT ATOMIC OXYGEN ON SPACECRAFT MATERIALS

This review attempts to bring together the published data and analysis related to the effect of low earth orbit (LEG) atomic oxygen (AO) interaction with spacecraft materials. The basic interaction mechanism of AO with spacecraft materials and quantification of its effect on materials performance are briefly discussed. After providing a list of materials susceptible to the LEO environment, the paper focuses on the degradation mechanism of various spacecraft materials. Particular emphasis is given to the protective mechanisms for AO-susceptible materials and development of AO-resistant materials for long-term LEO spacecraft applications. Ground-simulation testing requirements and their present status are reviewed briefly. The need for further research is emphasized.