Engineering topics
Publications and source records attributed to Zwaal, A..
Several outgassing tests were carried out on representative solar panel samples in order to determine the extent of contamination that could be expected from this source. The materials for the construction of the solar panels were selected as a result of contamination obtained in micro volatile condensable materials tests.
With a view to international coordination of spacecraft materials, a number of European firms and institutes performed outgassing tests on identical materials at 125 C in high vacuum. The outgassing data obtained with the different types of equipment is presented and both the results and the critical parameters are discussed.
Materials were selected for the European TD satellite with a view to avoiding contamination of its stellar ultraviolet telescopes. Materiels were selected using the micro-VCM technique, and some typical cases of materials evaluation are described. The cleanliness of the satellite was monitored during integration and test phases, and in particular during long duration thermal vacuum tests.