Effect of the space environment on thermal control coatings

The optical characteristics of spacecraft surfaces are fundamental parameters in controlling its temperature. Passive thermal control coatings with designed solar absorptance and infrared emittance properties have been developed for various space conditions and environments. In this total environment the coatings must be stable and maintain their desired optical and mechanical properties for the course of a particular mission ranging up to a lifetime of thirty years. This paper reviews stable polymeric and inorganic materials which we have developed for different orbital missions both near earth and geosynchronous. Physical characteristics of these coatings such as hardness flexibility and out gassing behavior are presented. The response of optical properties as a function of conditions such as ultravioletvacuum and atomic oxygen and also the function of time are discussed. 1.