Odor test

Abstract

To prevent the use of spacecraft material that would outgas objectionable or nauseating odors, an odor test was developed. This test provided a means whereby candidate spacecraft materials were subjected to a particular environment and the outgassed products were evaluated by an odor panel. This panel was comprised of individuals with acute olfactory senses. The test results of the odor panel provided design engineers with data regarding potential material-odor problems. The odor-test procedure, panel-member selection, and odor scoring methods are described and typical test results are presented.