Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #30749: Euro Material Ageing: Testing Durability in the Harshness of Space

Materials age differently in space. Exposure to extreme temperatures, radiation, and atomic oxygen can degrade them faster than on Earth. The Euro Material Ageing experiment, led by Dr. Isabelle Savin de Larclause of CNES, investigated how advanced materials withstand long-term exposure in the space environment.

During Expeditions 71 through 74 aboard the ISS, various samples were mounted on external platforms, directly exposed to the harsh conditions of low-Earth orbit. These included polymers, coatings, and structural composites.

Researchers observed changes in color, brittleness, and strength over time. The findings help in selecting better materials for spacecraft, satellites, and space suits—ensuring they last longer and perform better.

This experiment also supports industries on Earth that require high-durability materials, such as aviation, automotive, and construction.

Understanding how materials age in space is crucial for future missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. Equipment failure due to material fatigue is not an option in such remote environments.

With Euro Material Ageing, ESA takes a vital step toward designing space systems that stand the test of time.

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