Atomic Oxygen


Atomic oxygen refers to the elemental form of oxygen, which is highly reactive and can cause significant damage to spacecraft materials and components. In the low Earth orbit, atomic oxygen is formed by the dissociation of molecular oxygen due to the high-energy radiation from the sun. The presence of atomic oxygen can cause erosion, corrosion, and degradation of materials such as polymers, paints, and thermal control coatings. Atomic oxygen is a significant concern for spacecraft designers and engineers, and various mitigation techniques have been developed to protect spacecraft from its harmful effects. These techniques include the use of atomic oxygen-resistant materials, coatings, and surface treatments, as well as the design of spacecraft components that minimize the exposure to atomic oxygen.


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