In situ measurement of atomic oxygen flux using a silver film sensor onboard “TianTuo 1” nanosatellite

Synergistic effects of atomic oxygen and thermal cycling in low earth orbit on polymer-matrixed space material

“…Atomic oxygen (AO), which generates from UV-induced(E , ) dissociation of molecular oxygen, is a constituent of a particular concern for materials in the LEO environment [ 9 , 10 ]. Besides, it is regarded as the most severe hazard for spacecraft's external surfaces, due to its oxidative and erosive behavior [ [11] , [12] , [13] ]. It could lead to changes in optical deterioration [ 14 ] and mass loss [ 15 ] caused by cratering, internal and back-surface spallation [ 16 ], along with particulate and molecular contamination, and furtherly, induce the degradation in mechanical properties [ [17] , [18] , [19] , [20] ].…”