Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
Jan 1998
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1998sampe.........t&link_type=abstract
Science of Advanced Materials and Process Engineering
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
Mechanical Properties, Hubble Space Telescope, Thermal Cycling Tests, Optical Properties, Multilayer Insulation, Embrittlement, Cracks, Damage, Temperature Control, Telescopes, Teflon (Trademark), Position (Location), Molecular Weight, Metallizing, Ground Tests, Astronauts
Scientific paper
The mechanical and optical properties of the thermal control materials on the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) have degraded over the nearly seven years the telescope has been in orbit. Astronaut observations and photographs from the Second Servicing Mission (SM2) revealed large cracks in the metallized Teflon FEP, the outer-layer of the multi-layer insulation (MLI), in many locations around the telescope. Also, the emissivity of the bonded metallized Teflon FEP radiator surfaces of the telescope has increased over time. Samples of the top layer of the MLI and radiator material were retrieved during SM2, and a thorough investigation into the de-radiation followed in order to determine the primary cause of the damage. Mapping of the cracks on HST and the ground testing showed that thermal cycling with deep-layer damage from electron and proton radiation are necessary to cause the observed embrittlement. Further, strong, evidence was found indicating that chain scission (reduced molecular weight) is the dominant form of damage to the metallized Teflon FEP.
Dever Joyce A.
Hansen Patricia A.
Townsend Jacqueline A.
Triolo Jack J.
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