Loading...
Please wait, while we are loading the content...
Similar Documents
Return flux experiment
| Content Provider | NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS) |
|---|---|
| Author | Tveekrem, June L. |
| Copyright Year | 1992 |
| Description | All spacecraft emit molecules via outgassing, thruster plumes, vents, etc. The return flux is the portion of those molecules that scatter from the ambient atmosphere and return to the spacecraft. Return flux allows critical spacecraft surfaces to become contaminated even when there is no direct line of sight between the contamination source and the critical surface. Data from the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) show that contamination of LDEF surfaces could not have come entirely from direct flux. The data suggest significant return flux. Several computer models have been developed to simulate return flux, but the predictions have never been verified in orbit. Large uncertainties in predictions lead to overly conservative spacecraft designs. The purpose of the REturn FLux EXperiment (REFLEX) is to fly a controlled experiment that can be directly compared with predictions from several models. |
| File Size | 11916929 |
| Page Count | 15 |
| File Format | |
| Alternate Webpage(s) | http://archive.org/details/NASA_NTRS_Archive_19930019538 |
| Archival Resource Key | ark:/13960/t8tb61j93 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher Date | 1992-01-01 |
| Access Restriction | Open |
| Subject Keyword | Spacecraft Design, Testing And Performance Earth Orbital Environments Outgassing Molecules Oxygen Atoms Molecular Gases Vents Spacecraft Contamination Computerized Simulation Long Duration Exposure Facility Protective Coatings Plumes Erosion Ntrs Nasa Technical Reports Server (ntrs) Nasa Technical Reports Server Aerodynamics Aircraft Aerospace Engineering Aerospace Aeronautic Space Science |
| Content Type | Text |
| Resource Type | Article |
