Tag

Atomic Oxygen

All articles tagged with #atomic oxygen

space2 days ago•10 min saved

Atomic Oxygen: The Hidden Material Menace in Low Earth Orbit

Atomic oxygen in low Earth orbit aggressively erodes carbon-based polymers, carbon composites, and optical surfaces on spacecraft such as the ISS. NASA tests exposed material trays outside the station to study damage and variations in material properties, leading to protective coatings like silicon dioxide or aluminum oxide to mitigate reactions with single oxygen atoms. In LEO, the atmosphere is a thin, UV-driven environment rather than a hard vacuum, so long-duration missions require careful material selection and protective measures; very low orbits demand extra care for satellites. Deep space exposure to atomic oxygen is much less of a concern, making this primarily a LEO issue.

via Hackaday|

#atomic-oxygen #coatings #low-earth-orbit

science7 days ago•14 min saved

Atomic Oxygen’s Subtle Attack: How the ISS Survives Through Coatings and Upkeep

In low Earth orbit, reactive atomic oxygen slowly erodes exposed spacecraft materials, especially carbon-based polymers and coatings. NASA’s MISSE experiments on the ISS provide real flight data to guide protective coatings, material choices, and maintenance practices. The station endures decades of exposure by thoughtful design, orientation, inspections, and replacements, a living example of how space weather shapes durability.

via Space Daily|

#atomic-oxygen #low-earth-orbit #materials-degradation

science5 months ago•3 min saved

Scientists Detect Unprecedented Phenomenon in Water

Scientists successfully observed atomic oxygen in water persisting for tens of microseconds and penetrating hundreds of micrometers, using advanced laser techniques, challenging previous assumptions about its reactivity and transport in liquids, and prompting a reevaluation of existing models.

via Indian Defence Review|

#atomic-oxygen #laser-induced-fluorescence #liquid-environments

space-science2 years ago•2 min saved

Confirmed: Oxygen Detected in Venus' Atmosphere, Day and Night

A team of astrophysicists has directly observed atomic oxygen in the day side atmosphere of Venus for the first time. Using data from the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA), the researchers found evidence of atomic oxygen in 17 points in Venus' atmosphere. The presence of atomic oxygen on both the day and night sides suggests that it is formed by the sun's energy breaking apart carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide molecules. The researchers also suggest that atomic oxygen has a cooling effect on Venus' upper atmosphere.

via Phys.org|

#atmosphere #atomic-oxygen #research

space-science2 years ago•3 min saved

"Oxygen Discovery on Venus: Implications for Potential Life and Habitable Conditions"

Astronomers have detected atomic oxygen in the dayside atmosphere of Venus, providing new insights into the dynamics of the planet's atmosphere. While atomic oxygen had been previously detected on Venus' nightside, this is the first time it has been observed on the dayside. The presence of atomic oxygen could help scientists understand the differences between Venus and Earth and shed light on the planet's atmospheric circulation patterns. The research, conducted using data collected by the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA), suggests that atomic oxygen could be a valuable resource for further exploration and future space missions to Venus.

via ScienceAlert|

#astronomers #atmosphere #atomic-oxygen

space3 years ago•2 min saved

ESA's Juice mission set to explore Jupiter's icy moons.

The European Space Agency's (ESA) Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (Juice) mission, set to launch on 13 April, has undergone extensive materials testing to ensure it can withstand the harsh environment around Jupiter's moon Ganymede. The testing included exposing silver interconnects to atomic oxygen, which can erode susceptible materials, and low-temperature thermal cycling. The interconnects were found to be resistant to atomic oxygen erosion, allowing the spacecraft to maintain magnetic cleanliness, which is essential for optimal operation of the in-situ science instruments. Juice will spend three and a half years in the Jupiter system and will go into orbit around Ganymede in the final phase of its exploration.

via European Space Agency|

#atomic-oxygen #ganymede #juice-mission