Properties of New Polyimide Film for Spacecraft

Atomic oxygen is one of the hazard factors for spacecraft in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Atomic oxygen interacts with thermal control coatings. The interaction is very aggressive toward coatings properties, especially their thermo-optical properties which are the most important for spacecraft thermal control. Depending on the relationship of conformation and performance, new polyimide film was synthesized to improve the atomic oxygen resistance. The results of atomic oxygen with ground simulation test indicate that the second surface mirrors thermal control coating made by the new polyimide film has better atomic oxygen resistance properties than the coating being in use. Environmental adaptability tests such as ultraviolet irradiation test, proton irradiation test, electron irradiation test were made also. The test results show that the second surface mirrors thermal control coating has very good performance.