Effect of the Mars Environment on Spacecraft Materials

The goal is to develop a test methodology for spacecraft material corrosion resistance; evaluate aerospace materials and surface treatments. This data will support materials selection recommendations for long-duration missions on Mars. Corrosion mechanism studies will be carried out using Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (DRIFTS) in a simulated Mars atmospheric environment with gas mixture and temperature controls. The chemical interaction between spacecraft aluminum and the Martian regolith will also be investigated in the Mars chamber with UV radiation, Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Mars gas, and perchlorate brine exposure. Results will be a validated and refined material testing methodology for corrosion property testing. This theoretical study provides strong justification to conduct experimental work to investigate the interaction between spacecraft materials with simulated Martian environments to reduce Mars exploration costs.

This theoretical study provides strong justification to conduct experimental work to investigate the interaction between spacecraft materials with simulated Martian environments to reduce Mars exploration costs.

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