(LDEF) Archive System
NASA Langley Research Center
Hampton, Virginia
Experiments
 |
Langley Home Page |
 |
Space Environments &Technology Archive System Home Page |
 |
Space Environments &Effects Home Page |
 |
NASA Home Page |
|
If you would like to receive further information on SETAS, or have suggestions on what information you would like to see accessible through this archive, please fill out the SETAS request form.
SETAS Request Information |
|
Last Update: February 10, 1998
Comments and Question concerning this WEB Page should be directed to Thomas H. See or Claire Dardano |
Experiment Title: Investigation of the Effects of Long-Duration Exposure on Active Optical System Components
Original Principal Investigator(s): Blue, Dr. M. Donald - Invest. Role: Present, Blue, Dr. M. Donald - Invest. Role: Original, Gallagher, James - Invest. Role: Original, Shackelford, R.G. - Invest. Role: Original,
Experiment Description:Electro-optical systems are finding increasing applications in space-based
systems. The successful flights of interplanetary probes dating back to
Mariner II in 1962 have demonstrated the ability of optical systems to
operate in the interplanetary space environment over periods of many months.
Current and planned Earth resources and meteorological satellites are
indicative of the complexity being achieved in such systems, and the planned
laser intersatellite communication links show a new level of sophistication
being developed for future electro-optical systems.
The environment hazards peculiar to space include radiation-induced
discoloration, electrically active flaws, and changes in index of
refraction. These problems may arise from sublimination, outgassing, and
decomposition effects as well as from deposition of such products and other
debris onto component surfaces. Other hazards are abrasion or cratering of
surfaces, which are caused by meteoroids and cosmic dust.
Optical and electro-optical components must survive this environment.
Assurance of survival is typically provided by ground-based testing to
simulate those aspects of the space environment which are considered most
serious. The availability of the LDEF permitted exposure of electrooptical
components to a true space environment at a reasonable cost.
Photograph Classification: Flight
Associated Photograph(s):
LaRC - L90-10413
KSC - None
JSC - S32-77-050
LaRC - L89-04387
KSC - KSC-384C-255.06
JSC - None
LaRC - L90-13450
KSC - KSC-390C-1035.05
JSC - None
LaRC - L91-10508
KSC - KSC-390C-2114.03
JSC - None
 | LDEF Archive System Home Page |