Evaluation of atomic oxygen effects obtained onboard SLATS/MDM
Yugo Kimoto  1, *@  , Aki Goto  1@  , Kazuki Yukumatsu  1@  , Eiji Miyazaki  1@  , Kumiko Yokota  2@  , Masahito Tagawa  2@  
1 : Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency [Tsukuba]
2 : Kobe University
* : Corresponding author

The Super Low Altitude Test Satellite (SLATS), also known as TSUBAME, is the first Earth observation satellite to occupy a Super-Low Orbit or Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO), below 300 km. We presented the analysis results of initial data taken by the Atomic oxygen MOnitor (AMO) at ISMSE-14 of 2018. And we also presented more its detail analysis results at the last ISMSE-15 of 2022.Material Degradation Monitor (MDM), which is installed on the SLATS, is a near-real-time space material monitoring system. A CCD camera observed the samples during the exposure with AO. The obtained images were compared qualitatively between the exposure's beginning and end. All films and wires (covering polymers) were not broken seriously during the mission. To identify more quantitatively the samples whose optical properties changed depending on the exposed time (or AO fluence), the ratios of the pixels that changed above noise levels were investigated for each sample, and their relationships with AO fluence were evaluated. The mean pixel values and pixel-value distributions were evaluated for each color (R, G, or B) to see the detailed changes. AO fluence on MDM samples was evaluated and discussed by compareing AO reference material images acquired on orbit with those acqured on the ground by a engineering model.In addition, an acceleration effect by N2 on AO-induced polyimide erosion are suggested by SLATS flight data.The ground experimental results of quantitative evaluation of erosion yield of FEP due to neutral atoms in simulated VLEO environments will be presented by Masahito Tagawa and Kumiko Yokota in another presentation. These experimental data are used to discuss the MDM flight data. This final paper summarizes the insights gained on the effects of neutral atmosphere obtained from the observations of SLATS. This knowledge will contribute to the future design and operation of VLEO satellites.


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