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  • Aerobraking effects induced erosion of Kapton

    Paper number

    IAC-13,C2,6,3,x17879

    Author

    Mr. Hu Longfei, China Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics(CAAA), China

    Year

    2013

    Abstract
    Aerobraking is an important process for Mars exploration. During this process, satellites experience in explicit aeroheating, especially the solar panels, which may results in the erosion of related space materials. In this study, an aerobraking simulator is prepared, producing a CO2 plasma environment. The aerobraking effects induced erosion is investigated by exposure of Kapton (a commonly used space material) in the simulated CO2 environment. Before and after exposure, the surface morphology, surface compositions, and optical properties of Kapton are individually analysized by SEM, FTIR, XPS, and UV-Vis. It is found that the Kapton suffers apparent erosion in the simulated environment. The exposed Kapton displays a roughed surface and its optical properties decrease. For developing of long-life solar panels, it is meanfully to use protective coatings on the exposed surface of Kapton.
    
    Keywords: aerobraking, satellites, solar panels, space materials, Kapton
    Abstract document

    IAC-13,C2,6,3,x17879.brief.pdf

    Manuscript document

    (absent)