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Effect of Atomic Oxygen on LEO CubeSat

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Abstract

Atomic oxygen (AO) is a major threat to satellites in Low Earth Orbits (LEO). AO causes serious damage to satellites such as erosion, corrosion and damage to almost all satellites surfaces. This study presents numerical prediction for the space environment effects on NARSSCube satellite using ATOMOX module in Space ENVironment Information System (SPENVIS) online simulation tools. Indeed, the prediction of erosion yields of NARSSCube structure induced by AO flux in LEO with different models is calculated. NRLMSISE model shows the highest mass and thickness loss for the outer surfaces of the satellite in all worst-case scenarios. A comparative study, for the erosion yields of some materials using SPENVIS, MISSE2 and other calculations, is presented. This research recommends the necessity of developing a database for all materials used in space providing all data for the effect of AO on each material in addition to the erosion depth and mass loss.

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Acknowledgements

The authors are indebted to the Egyptian Space Agency (EgSA) for support, tutorial guidance, active supervision and constructive help during the work. Sincere thanks and deep gratitude are due to Dr. Ayman Mahmoud, Payload team leader and member of the board of directors- Egyptian Space Agency. His dynamism, vision, sincerity and motivation are inspiring.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Assembly, Integration and Testing, AIT, Center at Egyptian Space Agency, EgSA, Cairo, Egypt

    W. M. Mahmoud

  2. Thermal, Structure and Space Environment Department at National Authority of Remote Sensing and Space Sciences, NARSS, Cairo, Egypt

    D. Elfiky

  3. Meterology, Astronomy and Space Department Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt

    S. M. Robaa, M. S. Elnawawy & S. M. Yousef

Authors
  1. W. M. Mahmoud
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  2. D. Elfiky
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  3. S. M. Robaa
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  4. M. S. Elnawawy
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  5. S. M. Yousef
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Correspondence to W. M. Mahmoud.

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Mahmoud, W.M., Elfiky, D., Robaa, S.M. et al. Effect of Atomic Oxygen on LEO CubeSat. Int. J. Aeronaut. Space Sci. 22, 726–733 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42405-020-00336-w

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42405-020-00336-w

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