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We have tested a suite of micromachined chemical sensors on STS-93. This experiment is one of several incorporated in the overall Micro/Nano Technology (MNT) Testbed developed at The Aerospace Corporation. The sensors used in this experiment include: (1) a micromachined interferometer for carbon dioxide (CO2) detection, (2) a palladium thin-film sensor for hydrogen (H2), (3) a micromachined, micro hot plate sensor for carbon monoxide (CO), (4) a micromachined strain gauge pressure sensor, and (5) networked digital thermometers. A gas dosing system to test the sensors in flight was also included. The experimental design and flight results are presented and discussed.

The development of high power, high voltage solar arrays for spacecraft has increased the risk of damage by electrostatic discharge mechanisms, and examples already exist of recently launched 10 kW+ spacecraft which have experienced solar array damage in their first year of operation. While recent analysis coupled with space and ground-based experiments has produced further insight into the problem, unresolved issues continue to exist. In the present experiments, simulation of the GEO space environment has been improved compared to past studies. An electron gun charges the solar cell circuit and its substrate using variable current and energy settings, at 1×10-7 Torr background pressure. A solar simulator lamp provides photons over the 200 nm to near infrared spectral range. The temperature of the substrate is controlled, and a floating power supply simulates the remainder of the solar cell string.