Space debris generation in GEO: Space materials testing and evaluation

Abstract

The aim of this work is to evaluate what happens to the spacecraft materials beyond the spacecraft End of Life. A review of spacecraft external materials and effects of space environment is presented. This paper results from a continued study on spacecraft material degradation, and space debris formation in geostationary orbit (GEO). In this paper a 20-year GEO dose profile that combines simultaneous UV, particles irradiation and thermal cycling was applied to a set of external spacecraft materials. These materials comprised MLI assemblies, Velcros fixation and spacecraft painting. The evaluation of these external spacecraft materials, exposed to simulated space environment have confirmed the criticality of degradation of MLI, Velcros fixation and painting, with delamination mechanisms and particulate contamination. The synergy of space radiation (particles, UV) and thermal cycling ages the material and induces mechanical stress, causing creation of brittle surfaces, cracks and delamination. These phenomena cause serious damage to exposed surfaces, changing the surfaces thermo-optical properties, and may induce the generation of space debris. In particular, experimental results show the delamination of internal MLI layers and the severe degradation of the Velcros.