Material Characterization Required for Designing Satellites from Fiber-Reinforced Polymers

This review paper discusses the effect of polymers, especially thermoplastics, in environments with low earth orbits. Space weather in terms of low earth orbits has been characterized into seven main elements, namely microgravity, residual atmosphere, high vacuum, atomic oxygen, ultraviolet and ionization radiation, solar radiation, and space debris. Each element is discussed extensively. Its effect on polymers and composite materials has also been studied. Quantification of these effects can be evaluated by understanding the mechanisms of material degradation caused by each environmental factor along with its synergetic effect. Hence, the design elements to mitigate the material degradation can be identified. Finally, a cause-and-effect diagram (Ishikawa diagram) is designed to characterize the important design elements required to investigate while choosing a material for a satellite’s structure. This will help the designers to develop experimental methodologies to test the composite material for its suitability against the space environment. Some available testing facilities will be discussed. Some potential polymers will also be suggested for further evaluation.