Shuttle Contamination And Experimentation: DoD Implications

B. J. Barnhart; J. C. Baker

doi:10.1117/12.931958

27 July 1981 Shuttle Contamination And Experimentation: DoD Implications

B. J. Barnhart, J. C. Baker

Proceedings Volume 0280, Infrared Astronomy: Scientific/Military Thrusts and Instrumentation; (1981) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.931958
Event: 1981 Technical Symposium East, 1981, Washington, D.C., United States

Abstract

As the DOD makes the transition into the Shuttle era, experimenters are becoming more concerned about the environmental contamination of the Shuttle Orbiter. Their concern is that Shuttle contamination could prevent major planned experiments from obtaining required data, particularly sensitive infrared systems (e.g., Talon Gold, SIRE, STMP). The performance of optical experiments could be limited by the natural background, by light scattering and emissions from particulates and molecules, and by molecular absorption. Deposition and optical surface degradation may prove to be extensive problems, particularly for cryogenic optics. Other experiments such as communications and space environment tests may also be affected by deposition as well as electromagnetic interference. It has been known that the Shuttle's environment could cause contamination problems during water dumps, thruster firings, paint outgassing and other sources. Predictions have been made, but the contamination species and extent of these problems will not be known definitely until space measurements are made. This paper identifies the contamination types, sources, and their possible effect on particular types of space experiments. The paper also discusses NASA's plans for contamination measurements and the Space Test experiments which could contribute to early resolution of the contamination questions.

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B. J. Barnhart and J. C. Baker "Shuttle Contamination And Experimentation: DoD Implications", Proc. SPIE 0280, Infrared Astronomy: Scientific/Military Thrusts and Instrumentation, (27 July 1981); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.931958

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KEYWORDS

Contamination

Particles

Molecules

Atmospheric particles

Scattering

Infrared radiation

Light scattering

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