Temperature-Controlled Quartz Crystal Microbalance Measurements On Space Transport System (STs-2)

J. A. Fountain

doi:10.1117/12.933632

12 April 1983 Temperature-Controlled Quartz Crystal Microbalance Measurements On Space Transport System (STs-2)

J. A. Fountain

Proceedings Volume 0338, Spacecraft Contamination Environment; (1983) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.933632
Event: 1982 Technical Symposium East, 1982, Arlington, United States

Abstract

The purpose of the Temperature-Controlled Quartz Crystal Microbalance (TQCM) system on STS-2 was to measure condensible molecular flux in the payload bay of the Space Shuttle as a function of temperature, direction, and time.1 Five quartz crystal microbalance sen-sors were located in the IECM to measure molecular adsorption in each of the Orbiter axes, +X (fore), -X (aft), +Y (starboard), -Y (port), and -Z (up, perpendicular to payload bay). The temperature of each sensor was controlled by a thermoelectric device so contamination could be measured as a function of four preset temperatures: +30, 0, -30, and -60°C. When orbital altitude was reached, the TQCM sensors began their orbital measuring cycle routine (Figure 1). The sensors were commanded to 80°C for 30 min, which was used as an initial clean-up. They were then stepped through a program of 2-nr collection periods at each temperature with a 30-min, 80°C period between each collection period. The collection periods progressed in descending order from +30 to -60°C and, then the cycle was repeated. Since the STS-2 orbital phase lasted approximately 53 hrs, the TQCM system completed four cycles and was in the fifth when the mission was terminated.

Citation Download Citation

J. A. Fountain "Temperature-Controlled Quartz Crystal Microbalance Measurements On Space Transport System (STs-2)", Proc. SPIE 0338, Spacecraft Contamination Environment, (12 April 1983); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.933632

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