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Atomic oxygen degradation of Intelsat 4-type solar array interconnects: Laboratory investigationsA Hughes 506 type communication satellite belonging to the Intelsat organization was marooned in low Earth orbit on March 14, 1990, following failure of the Titan third stage to separate properly. The satellite, Intelsat VI, was designed for service in geosynchronous orbit and contains several material configurations which are susceptible to attack by atomic oxygen. Analysis showed the silver foil interconnects in the satellite photovoltaic array to be the key materials issue because the silver is exposed directly to the atomic oxygen ram flux. The results are reported of atomic oxygen degradation testing of Intelsat VI type silver foil interconnects both as virgin material and in a configured solar cell element. Test results indicate that more than 80 pct. of the original thickness of silver in the Intelsat VI solar array interconnects should remain after completion of the proposed Space Shuttle rescue and/or reboost mission.
Document ID
19910011973
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Technical Memorandum (TM)
Authors
Koontz, S. L. (NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center Houston, TX., United States)
Cross, J. B. (Los Alamos National Lab. NM., United States)
Hoffbauer, M. A. (Los Alamos National Lab. NM., United States)
Kirkendahl, T. D. (Communications Satellite Corp. Clarksburg, MD., United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
March 1, 1991
Subject Category
Metallic Materials
Report/Patent Number
NASA-TM-102175
NAS 1.15:102175
S-625
Accession Number
91N21286
Funding Number(s)
PROJECT: RTOP 506-43-00
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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