[JUNE THEMATIC REPORT]-ATOMIC OXYGEN IN SPACE

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[JUNE THEMATIC REPORT]-ATOMIC OXYGEN IN SPACE
by Baraka E Urio \| 01-07-2023 21:14 0
ATOMIC OXYGEN(AO). Oxygen comes in several different forms. The oxygen that we breathe is called O2—that is, it is comprised of two atoms of oxygen. O3 is ozone, such as occurs in Earth's upper atmosphere, and O (one atom), is atomic oxygen. Atomic oxygen doesn't exist naturally for very long on the surface of Earth, as it is very reactive. But in space, where there is plenty of ultraviolet radiation, O2 molecules are more easily broken apart to create atomic oxygen. The atmosphere in low Earth orbit is comprised of about 96% atomic oxygen. In the early days of NASA's space shuttle missions, the presence of atomic oxygen caused problems. In space, AO is produced when short-wavelength UV radiation reacts with molecular oxygen in the upper atmosphere. It is the most significant component of the space environment at ISS altitude in terms of material degradation. AO oxidizes many metals, especially silver, copper, and osmium. AO reacts strongly with any material containing carbon, nitrogen, sulfur and hydrogen bonds, meaning that many polymers react and erode. Polymers containing fluorine, such as Teflon, react synergistically, meaning that the reactivity to AO increases with longer exposure to UV radiation (Pippin et al., 2004). Even materials with AO protective coatings can degrade because of AO undercutting erosion at protective coating defect sites. So the main importance of AO in space is to destroy space wastes to not reach the world. REFFERENCES. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20190027587/downloads/20190027587. https://www.nasa.gov/vision/earth/everydaylife/AtomicOxRestoration.html

Youth Baraka E Urio

3 Comments

Yewon Mentor says :
Hello Baraka! This is your mentor Yewon.

Before I start, I apologize for the late comment.

You have written an interesting report about atomic oxygen!
Unlike mentor James, I do not know much about chemistry but your report was understandable and interesting.
Thank you for your meaningful report! Great job!
Posted 27-08-2023 06:01

Baraka E Urio

Baraka E Urio says :
Thanks much my mentor.
Posted 20-07-2023 01:57

James Mentor says :
Hello Baraka! This is your mentor James!

As a chemical engineering graduate, I find this report certainly interesting! Atomic oxygen is indeed a very unstable and highly reactive chemical species which causes deterioration and oxidation of metal and non-metal substances. Even though this caused problems in the early stages of our space industry, ironically the AO layer is also what keeps us safe from space debris that has unintentionally entered the mesosphere.

Thank you for your fantastic work! Let's keep it up with your next report as well.
Posted 13-07-2023 16:05