A Researcher’s Guide to: Space Environmental Effects

A Researcher’s Guide to: Space Environmental Effects: This researcher’s guide is intended to help potential researchers plan experiments that would be exposed to the space environment, while externally attached to or deployed from the ISS.

A Researcher’s Guide to: 

Space Environmental Effects

ISS Researcher's Guide Series

By Miria M. Finckenor
Kim K. de Groh

Scientists and engineers have developed advanced materials for manned spacecraft and satellites for a range of sophisticated applications in space exploration, transportation, global positioning and communication. The materials used on the exterior of spacecraft are subjected to many environmental threats that can degrade many materials and components.

Determining how long-term exposure to space conditions impacts various materials and, thus, which materials are best suited for spacecraft construction can most effectively be accomplished through actual testing in space. The ISS provides an ideal platform for long-term space environment effects testing, particularly since experiments can be returned to Earth for postflight analyses.

This Researcher’s Guide explains the research priorities for space environmental effects on the International Space Station, describes specific aspects of the space environment for researchers to consider and details the various ISS external accommodations available. Lessons learned as well as funding opportunities are also provided.

Kindle readers: MOBI [3.0 MB]

All other eBook readers: EPUB [4.2MB]

PDF readers: PDF [1.6 MB]

Last Updated: March 3, 2020

Editor: Dylan Steele