Evaluation of spacecraft materials and processes for optical degradation potential
A Wide Field Planetary Camera instrument with wide wavelength sensitive Charged Coupled Device detectors has been designed and built for employment in space. The contamination potential of the spacecraft hardware is determined by the outgassing characteristics of the selected materials and the effect of the performed processing procedures. An investigation was conducted to provide for more selective material screening with respect to contamination potential and to develop an optical effects data base. In the investigation, a series of thermogravimetric, residual gas, Micro-Volatile Condensible Material (VCM), and Vacuum Optical Degradation tests were performed. The results of the Micro-VCM testing of four epoxy adhesive systems are presented in tables.