Corrosion in space

Corrosion in space is the corrosion of materials occurring in outer space. Instead of moisture and oxygen acting as the primary corrosion causes, the materials exposed to outer space are subjected to vacuum, bombardment by ultraviolet and X-rays, solar energetic particles (mostly electrons and protons from solar wind), and electromagnetic radiation.[1] In the upper layers of the atmosphere (between 90–800 km), the atmospheric atoms, ions, and free radicals, most notably atomic oxygen, play a major role. The concentration of atomic oxygen depends on altitude and solar activity, as the bursts of ultraviolet radiation cause photodissociation of molecular oxygen.[2] Between 160 and 560 km, the atmosphere consists of about 90% atomic oxygen.[3]

  1. ^ Blockley, Richard; Shyy, Wei, eds. (2010-12-15). Encyclopedia of Aerospace Engineering (1 ed.). Wiley. doi:10.1002/9780470686652.eae242. ISBN 978-0-470-75440-5.
  2. ^ Martines, S. "Analysis of LEO Radiation Environment and itsEffects on Spacecraft's Critical Electronic Dev ices". Mendeley. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. Retrieved 23 August 2019.
  3. ^ "The Use of Silicone Adhesives in Space Applications". Archived from the original on 2006-03-24. Retrieved 2006-06-07.