Assessment Of Contamination In The Shuttle Bay

Diffusion of outgassed shuttle bay materials is of concern to payloads especially if optics and sensitive instrumentation are not protected. Contamination can occur which will reduce data collection ability and lifetime of shuttle launched spacecraft. Therefore, prediction and prevention of such contamination is of concern. A diffusion solution is discussed which is capable of making such predictions. Use of a protective cover and/or a purge is also discussed as methods of contamination prevention and their effectiveness is analyzed as a function of cover vent size and flow rate.