PROGRAM ASTEC (ADVANCED SOLAR TURBO ELECTRIC CONCEPT). PART III CANDIDATE MATERIALS ORBITAL EVALUATION.

Abstract : A laboratory test program was previously conducted to determine the basic thermophysical, optical, and mechanical properties of materials developed by the solar-collector industry for use in the ASTEC Program, and to test the degrading effects of various segregated and combined elements of the space environment on these materials. Since the actual space environment and the synergistic effects of the space environment on materials cannot be duplicated in the laboratory, a scientific space experiment was developed to verify the laboratory findings and/or to provide corrective factors to present or subsequent laboratory findings. The scientific space experiment consists of a modified P-11 satellite spaceframe, together with an active attitude control subsystem to provide heliotropic orientation, and the scientific instrumentation payload. The instrumentation payload measures the potential degradation of the material reflective surfaces - segregates and measures separate and combined elements of the space environment. In this manner, elements which may be causative to material surface degradation can be determined. The ASTEC scientific space experiment was developed and qualified, and delivered to the launch base for final systems checkout preparatory to orbital operations. Orbital operations of the space experiment are commenced upon ejection at a selected altitude from a host program vehicle which provides transportation for the experiment through the launch and ascent trajectory.