Review of Evaluation Methodologies for Satellite Exterior Materials in Low Earth Orbit

The objective of this review paper is to present a formal technical evaluation methodology for the materials used on a satellite in low Earth orbit. It attempts to succinctly describe the current materials evaluation, selection, and design processes from the perspective of space systems engineering. The low Earth orbit has a severe environment that can degrade the exterior materials of a satellite, thereby adversely affecting its ability to function. The environmental factors that cause the degradation are first described and quantified. The exterior elements/equipment/units of a satellite are identified. Materials exposed to the environment and their thermal, chemical, and electromagnetic interactions with the various environmental factors, individually and in combination, are analyzed. A methodology that combines the evaluations of individual environmental factors is proposed. Various materials are evaluated, and where possible, recommendations are made for the suitability of their use on the exterior of low-Earth-orbit satellites.