Atomic Oxygen Effects on Space Materials
Summary
Atomic oxygen in low Earth orbit represents one of the most aggressive species encountered by spacecraft, reacting with exposed surfaces to induce erosion, chemical alteration and morphological change. As a monatomic, highly reactive form of oxygen, it can break chemical bonds in polymers, oxidise metal surfaces and degrade composite materials. The interaction often leads to the formation of thin oxide or silicate passivation layers that slow further attack, but the initial erosion can compromise thermal control coatings, flexible solar reflectors, polymeric insulating films and additively manufactured composites. Understanding the mechanisms of atomic‐oxygen interaction, quantifying erosion yields and developing materials that either resist attack or self‐heal under exposure are critical for extending satellite lifetimes, ensuring reliable in situ fabrication and maintaining performance of optical, thermal and structural elements in low Earth and very low Earth orbit.
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Atomic Oxygen Effects on Space Materials publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in atomic oxygen effects on space materials across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Atomic oxygen: Highly reactive oxygen atoms prevalent in low Earth orbit that erode exposed material surfaces.
Fluence: The cumulative flux of atomic oxygen atoms per unit area encountered by a material.
Passivation layer: A protective oxide or silicate film that forms on a material surface, reducing further erosion.
Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS): Nanocaged organosilicon compounds incorporated into polymers to enhance atomic oxygen resistance.
Low Earth orbit (LEO): An Earth-centred orbit at altitudes between approximately 160 and 2,000 km where atomic oxygen density is high.
References
- Probing Physicochemical Performances of 3D Printed Carbon Fiber Composites During 8‐Month Exposure to Space Environment. Advanced Functional Materials (2023).
- Atomic Oxygen-Resistant Polyimide Composite Films Containing Nanocaged Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane Components in Matrix and Fillers. Nanomaterials (2021).
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