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Last Update: February 10, 1998
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Experiment Title: Space Exposure of Composite Materials for Large Space Structures
Original Principal Investigator(s): Slemp, Mr. Wayne - Invest. Role: Original, Slemp, Mr. Wayne - Invest. Role: Original, Slemp, Mr. Wayne - Invest. Role: Present, Slemp, Mr. Wayne - Invest. Role: Present,
Experiment Description:As space systems become larger and more complex, they require much longer
lifetimes in space to be economically feasible. Currently these mission
lifetimes are projected to be 10 to 20 years for antenna systems and up to 30
years for a solar-powered satellite system. This requires the structural
materials to perform for much longer lifetimes than those required for current
spacecraft. It can be assumed that electrical or electronic systems may be
replaced or repaired, but the structure should generally be maintenance-free
for the duration of these missions.
Resin matrix composite materials offer unique advantages over conventional
metallic materials for large space system applications due to their superior
strength and stiffness-to-weight ratios and their low coefficient of thermal
expansion. The major problem in utilizing composites for long-term space
structure applications is the absence of data on the effects of space radiation
on the mechanical and thermophysical properties of these materials. Although
ground laboratory testing programs are in progress, these programs are
substantially impaired by lack of information on the effects of space radiation
on the properties of these materials. Without a space-flight-generated data
base, it is difficult to project the useful life of these materials. The same
is true of other classes of materials such as polymeric films.
Photograph Classification: Postflight
Associated Photograph(s):
LaRC - L91-02536
KSC - KSC-390C-1913.09
JSC - None
LaRC - L84-07027
KSC - KSC-384C-59.01
JSC - None
LaRC - L90-10374
KSC - None
JSC - S32-76-001
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