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Optical contamination measurements on early Shuttle missions
Applied Optics
|June 5, 2010
Summary
Space shuttle missions monitored particulate contamination using camera/photometers. High particle concentrations were observed initially, decreasing to a stable rate of 500 particles per orbit.
Area of Science:
- Space Science
- Orbital Mechanics
- Environmental Monitoring
Background:
- Spacecraft operations can generate particulate contamination.
- Understanding contamination is crucial for mission success and data integrity.
- Previous monitoring methods had limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify Shuttle-induced particulate and background contamination.
- To analyze particle size and velocity distributions.
- To measure background brightness from unresolved particles.
Main Methods:
- Utilized two camera/photometers on STS-2, -3, -4, and -9.
- Collected continuous stereoscopic data during on-orbit phases.
- Performed exposures every 150 seconds within a 32-degree field-of-view.
Main Results:
- High particle concentrations were recorded during early mission operations.
- Particle concentrations decayed to a quiescent rate of 500 particles/orbit (>10-microm radius).
- Preliminary data on particle size, velocity, and background brightness were obtained.
Conclusions:
- Camera/photometers effectively monitored Shuttle-induced contamination.
- Particulate contamination levels decrease significantly after initial mission phases.
- Further analysis of particle characteristics is warranted.
