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Last Update: February 10, 1998
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Experiment Title: Microwelding of Various Metallic Materials Under Ultravacuum
Original Principal Investigator(s): Alet, Dr. Irenee - Invest. Role: Present, Alet, Dr. Irenee - Invest. Role: Present, Alet, Dr. Irenee - Invest. Role: Present, Assie, Mr. Jean-Pierre - Invest. Role: Original, Conde, Mr. Eric - Invest. Role: Present, Assie, Mr. Jean-Pierre - Invest. Role: Present, Alet, Dr. Irenee - Invest. Role: Present,
Experiment Description:In the space vacuum environment, the spacecraft mechanisms are liable to sustain damaging effects from microwelds due to molecular diffusion of the spacecraft constituent metals. The microwelding of two contacting metal parts of the same mechanism are liable to sustain irreversible effects, detrimental to satellite missions. Such microwelds result in a continuing increase in the friction factors and are even liable to jam the mechanisms altogether. Spacecraft mechanisms include: pointing mechanisms (antennas, instruments), focusing mechanisms (optical components), deployment mechanisms (antennas, solar arrays), hinges and drive mechanisms (mechanical parts of solar arrays), and slip rings (electrical parts of solar arrays).
Associated Tray(s) Tray Location: N. A. - Orientation: N. A.Photograph Classification: None
Associated Photograph(s):
LaRC - None
KSC - None
JSC - None
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