Effect of Atomic Oxygen on the Solar Arrays of Spacecrafts

The main effects and mechanisms of the physicochemical interaction of atomic oxygen (AO) for low orbits (200-700 km) on materials of solar arrays (SA) of spacecrafts are reviewed. It has been found that atomic oxygen interacts actively with a polyimide electroinsulating film (Kapton) and with silver coatings of bus bars. Modern stands and techniques of tests of SA fragments are considered. The positive effect of purification of the SA surface from contaminations with AO flows is noted.