Design and Testing of a Mini-spectrometer System for On-Orbit Degradation Studies of Optical Materials

The degradation of optical materials exposed to the near earth orbit space environment is of primary interest for spacecraft designers and must be accurately predicted. Optical materials generally have highly polished and accurately formed surfaces so that even low levels of degradation may have a significant effect on the long-term performance of the component. This paper describes the design and testing of a miniature spectrometer system which will be used to actively monitor the on-orbit degradation of optical materials placed on the exterior of the International Space Station.