Physics
Scientific paper
Sep 2000
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2000spie.4096....1w&link_type=abstract
Proc. SPIE Vol. 4096, p. 1-10, Optical Systems Contamination and Degradation II: Effects, Measurements, and Control, Philip T. C
Physics
Scientific paper
The Midcourse Space Experiment (MSX) satellite was launched on April 24, 1996. This paper provides an update of the quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) data accumulated over these last four years in space. The MSX is the only known experiment that has provided continuous contamination monitoring for such an extended length of time. The five QCMs on board the satellite have provided on-orbit data that have been invaluable in characterizing contamination levels around the spacecraft and inside the cryogenic Spatial Infrared Imaging Telescope (SPIRIT 3). One of the QCMs, the cryogenic QCM (CQCM), located internal to SPIRIT 3, was mounted adjacent to the primary mirror and provided contamination accretion measurements during the 10-month lifetime of SPIRIT 3. Real- time monitoring of contaminant mass deposition on the primary mirror was provided by this CQCM which was cooled to the same temperature as the mirror - approximately 20K. Thermogravimetric analyses (TGAs) on the CQCM provided insight into the amount and species of contaminants condensed on the SPIRIT 3 primary mirror during various spacecraft activities. The four temperature-controlled QCMs (TQCMs) were mounted on external surfaces of the spacecraft for monitoring spacecraft contamination deposition. The TQCMs operated at approximately -50$DEGC and were positioned strategically to monitor the silicone and organic contaminant flux arriving at specific locations. Updated time histories of contaminant thickness deposition for each of the QCMs are presented. Gradual contaminant thickness increase was observed during the first year in space. During the second year, the QCM frequencies (contaminant film thickness) began to decrease, with the time of onset depending on QCM location. Possible explanationsfor this interesting behavior are discussed.
Bertrand William T.
Boies Mark T.
Cain Russell P.
Galica Gary E.
Green Byron David
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