Contamination of outer surfaces of international space station studied by non-destructive techniques

Abstract

The aim of this work is to study non –volatile components of contamination deposits on outer surfaces of International Space Station (Russian segment) by a complex of non-destructive techniques – X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), diffuse reflection infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and local X-ray microanalysis (LXMA). These methods were used for investigation of 40 samples of materials and coatings after their exposure to residual atmosphere of Earth and external conditions of spacecraft. Elemental and chemical composition of surface and sub-surface layers is varied in very broad limits due to concurrence of many processes changing the sample composition. Contamination deposits contain nitrogenous components besides ubiquitous carbonaceous and siliceous components that are typical for spacecraft surface contamination.