Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #31727: Testing the Durability of UV-Resistant Coatings: The VIOLET Experiment in Orbit

As we explore beyond Earth, protecting spacecraft from harsh space conditions becomes crucial. The VIOLET experiment aboard the International Space Station set out to evaluate advanced ultraviolet (UV)-resistant coatings in real space conditions.

Led by researchers from the University of New Brunswick, Université de Moncton, and New Brunswick Community College, VIOLET flew on Expedition 70 and tested several UV-resistant surface materials exposed to the space environment.

Spacecraft and satellites face extreme UV radiation, which can degrade materials over time. The goal of VIOLET (Validation of Ultraviolet Light-Emitting Technology) was to compare different coatings for their ability to resist UV damage, thermal cycling, and atomic oxygen exposure.

Mounted externally on the ISS, the experiment used passive and active monitoring techniques to evaluate how each sample fared. After months of exposure, the materials were brought back to Earth for detailed analysis.

The insights from VIOLET are helping engineers select more durable materials for satellites, deep-space probes, and lunar habitats. It also showcases how academic collaborations across multiple institutions can contribute to space technology advancement.

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