Outgassing
Outgassing is the release of gases trapped, absorbed, or dissolved in a material. In the context of space and astronautical engineering, outgassing refers to the release of gases from spacecraft materials and components in a vacuum environment. Outgassing can be a problem because the released gases can condense on nearby surfaces, such as optical elements, and cause contamination or reduce their performance. Outgassing can also affect the pressure and composition of the surrounding atmosphere, which can be critical for sensitive experiments or life support systems. Therefore, spacecraft materials and components are carefully selected and tested to minimize outgassing. This is typically done by using low-outgassing materials, such as certain plastics, and by subjecting the materials to vacuum and thermal cycling to remove any trapped gases.
Your Previous Searches
Random Picks
- Map Projection: Map projection is the process of transforming the three-dimensional surface of the Earth onto a two-dimensional plane. This is necessary because it is impossible to represent the entire surface of the Earth on a flat map without some form o ... Read More >>
- Thermal Storage Systems: Thermal Storage Systems are devices that store thermal energy in the form of heat or cold for later use. In the context of space and astronautical engineering, thermal storage systems are used to regulate the temperature of spacecraft and t ... Read More >>
- Spacewalks: Spacewalks, also known as Extravehicular Activities (EVAs), are activities performed by astronauts outside of their spacecraft while in space. These activities may include repairing or maintaining spacecraft, conducting scientific experimen ... Read More >>
Top News
This week on "Sunday Morning" (April 20)...
A look at the features for this week's broadcast of the Emmy-winning program, hosted by Jane Pauley....
News Source: CBS News on 2025-04-17
Scientists detect strongest hints yet of life on a distant planet...
Scientists have detected unique chemical patterns similar to those produced by the Earth's algae and seaweed — raising the possibility of the presence of a warm ocean, perhaps teeming with life, on ...
News Source: NBC News on 2025-04-17
Is there life on another planet? Scientists find the strongest evidence yet...
Near a planet far, far away astronomers have found traces of chemicals that on Earth are only produced by living beings....
News Source: Al Jazeera English on 2025-04-17
Scientists find strongest evidence yet of life on an alien planet | CNN...
In a potential landmark discovery, scientists using the James Webb Space Telescope have obtained what they call the strongest signs yet of possible life beyond our solar system, detecting in an alien ...
News Source: CNN on 2025-04-17
Katy Perry's trip to space wasn't inspirational. It was tone-deaf marketing....
Katy Perry indulged in a space tourism trip Monday, courtesy of Jeff Bezos' company. It's the latest in a long line of missteps for the singer....
News Source: Business Insider on 2025-04-14