J Dekany – 2016
An existing space environment simulation test chamber used in the study of electron emission, sample charging and discharge, electrostatic discharge and arcing, electron transport, and luminescence of spacecraft materials now has extended temperature control capabilities. By incorporating a two-stage, closed-cycle helium cryostat, it is now possible to simulate the temperature typical spacecraft will experience when in orbit, ranging from <40 K to >450 K. The system was designed to maintain compatibility with an existing ultrahigh vacuum chamber that can simulate diverse space environments. This vacuum chamber can simulate space environment conditions by producing the same pressure, amount of electrons, electromagnetic radiation and temperature a typical satellite may experience when in orbit. For testing, multiple cameras are positioned to view the spacecraft sample to measure the amount of light that may be emitted from the sample. This is important, especially for space-based optical observatories where light contamination is of concern. The cryostat system can also be adapted for use in other test facilities, as well as in a standalone configuration for specific tests that involve low-temperature electronic conductivity tests.
… The UV/VIS spectrometer (Stellarnet, 13LK-C-SR; ~200 nm to 1080 nm) has a wavelength resolution of ~1 nm, while the NIR spectrometer (Stellarnet, RW-InGaAs-512; ~1000 nm to 1700nm) has a ~3 nm resolution. Both detectors are housed in a Peltier cooler, which …
