During 2010, the analysis of the in-orbit results were complemented with ground-based
activities (environment simulation, calibration, chemical analysis, physica,l and optical
properties).
The results showed the general trends in the material behavior. These were summarized as
follows:
- There was no significant degradation of the white paints.
- There was no significant degradation of the Plasmocer.
- There was no significant degradation of the black bodies.
- Complete erosion of the Upilex S occurred.
- Darkening of the Y100 polyimide was followed by a decrease in absorptance.
- There was a small increase in absorptance of the RSR, MAP ATOX, and RSF coatings.
Preliminary results will need to be refined using a more detailed analysis, and a comparison will
also be made with the postflight measurements after return of the samples.
PUBLICATION(S)
Rejsek-Riba V, Inguimbert V, Duzellier S, Pons C, Crepel M, Tighe AP. Spectrometers results of
material exposure and degradation experiment onboard International Space Station. Journal of
Spacecraft and Rockets. January 2011;48(1):38-44. doi: 10.2514/1.49443.
Tighe AP, Iwanovsky B, Van Eesbeck M, Duzellier S. In-orbit measurement of the Columbus Lab
Vacuum Environment using the MEDET pressure gauge. International Symposium on Materials
in the Space Environment, Provence, France; 2009.
Tighe AP, Iwanovsky B, Van Eesbeck M, et al. Overview of results from the Materials Exposure
and Degradation Experiment (MEDET) after 18 months in orbit on the ISS. 11th International
Symposium on Materials in a Space Environment. Provence, France; September 15-18, 2009:
10.
Tighe AP, Van Eesbeck M, Duzellier S, et al. Preliminary flight data from the materials exposure
and degradation experiment (MEDET). Proceedings of the 9th International Conference:
Protection of Materials and Structures From Space Environment, Toronto, Canada; 2009: 195-
206.
This investigation is complete; however additional results are pending publication.