Skylab parasol material evaluation

Abstract

Results of experimental work to evaluate the degradation rate of a parasol that was used as a means of alleviating thermal problems encountered soon after the launch of the Skylab 1 space vehicle are presented. Material selection criteria are discussed; the material chosen is described, and results of tests performed after environmental exposure at five facilities are given. The facilities used for exposure to ultraviolet radiation/thermal-vacuum environments and the equipment used for testing physical properties before and after exposure are described. Comparisons of ground test and flight test data are included.