Miles Bengtson, University of Colorado Boulder; Jordan Maxwell, University of Colorado Boulder; Ryan Hoffmann, Air Force Research Labratory; Russell Cooper, Air Force Research Laboratory; Stephanie Schieffer, Air Force Research Laboratory; Dale Ferguson, Air Force Research Laboratory; W. Robert Johnston, Air Force Research Laboratory; Heather Cowardin, Jacobs, NASA Johnson Space Center; Elena Plis, Assurance Technology Corp; Daniel Engelhart, Assurance Technology Corp;
Keywords: Aging, Weathering, radiation, polyimide, reflectivity
Abstract:
Ground- and space-based optical observations of space objects rely on knowledge about how spacecraft materials interact with light. However, this property changes as a result of surface materials interactions with the harsh space environment. Dynamic reflectivity of spacecraft material must be taken into account to provide positive identification and improved SSA. Additionally, a thorough characterization of each spacecraft materials optical characteristics while on orbit can be used to fine tune spacecraft surfaces for optimal thermal properties throughout a mission lifetime. Recently, we have performed an investigative study into the evolution of spectral reflectivity of commonly used spacecraft paints manufactured by AZ Technologies under GEO-like conditions. Samples were subjected to GEO-like electron fluxes and directional hemispherical reflectance was measured as a function of dose.
Date of Conference: September 11-14, 2018
Track: Poster