LDEF (Postflight), S0001 : Space Debris Impact Experiment, Tray G08

LDEF (Postflight), S0001 : Space Debris Impact Experiment, Tray G08 The Space Debris experiment consist of a three sixteenth (3/16) of an inch thick chromic anodized aluminum panel mounted in a three (3) inch deep LDEF experiment tray. The side of the plate exposed to the LDEF interior is painted with Chemglaze Z-306 flat black paint over a Chemglaze 9924 wash primer. The panels are attached to the aluminum tray structure with non-magnetic stainless steel fasteners. The panel coatings, a thin layer of chromic anodize facing out and the Chemglaze Z-306 black paint facing the LDEF interior, contribute significantly to thermal control of the LDEF spacecraft. The postflight photograph was taken in SAEF II at the KSC after the experiment was removed from the LDEF. A light tan discoloration can be seen on the right tray flange and the lower tray flange not covered by the experiment tray clamp blocks. Irregular shaped tan discolorations are also visible on the lower experiment tray sidewall. The pink tint on the debris panel is a by-product of the chromic anodize coating process and not attributed to contamination and/or exposure to the space environment. The light colored spots on the debris panel are from the same abrasions observed on the flight photograph.

NASA Identifier: L91-11669 KSC-390C-2308.09