Erosion
In space and astronautical engineering, erosion refers to the gradual degradation of materials due to the impact of micrometeoroids and atomic oxygen. Micrometeoroids are small particles of rock and metal that are present in space and can collide with spacecraft, causing erosion of the surface. Atomic oxygen is a highly reactive form of oxygen that can cause oxidation and erosion of materials in space. Erosion can cause damage to spacecraft components, such as solar panels and thermal control surfaces, and can also affect the performance of scientific instruments. To mitigate erosion, spacecraft designers use materials that are resistant to erosion, such as certain types of coatings and composites. Additionally, spacecraft may be designed with sacrificial layers that can be replaced periodically to prevent erosion from affecting critical components.
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