Atomic Oxygen Durability Testing of an International Space Station Solar Array Validation Coupon

An International Space Station solar array validation coupon was exposed in a directed atomic oxygen beam for space environment durability testing at the NASA Lewis Research Center. Exposure to atomic oxygen and intermittent tensioning of the solar array were conducted to verify the solar array’s durability to low Earth orbital atomic oxygen and to the docking threat of plume loading, both of which are anticipated over its expected mission life of fifteen years.