External Surface Changes Observed on the International Space Station (ISS) Through 2010

Abstract

Some worse-than-expected materials degradation effects have been observed, but none have created any operational issues and some hardware (as with the anodized aluminum labels) appear to be recovering. Inadvertent materials substitutions have been observed, but none have created any operational issues. Hardware handling contamination effects have been observed, and although none have created operational issues, there is clearly room for improvement in this regard. Even with robust materials selections, space environmental effects will be observed. Be cautious when interpreting on-orbit photography, as lighting conditions and the space environment affect imaging.