A predictive model of Lunar Gateway molecular outgassing and plume-induced contamination

Abstract

The Gateway space station will operate both as a lunar outpost and a hub for space exploration missions in support of a long-term human presence on the Moon, and is under development by NASA in collaboration with ESA, CSA, JAXA, and international commercial partners. Gateway will experience induced molecular contamination from sources including materials outgassing, venting, and the nominal operation of its chemical and electric propulsion systems. The degradation effects of molecular contamination on spacecraft are well-documented and understood, and predictive modeling tools have been developed to aid in the mitigation of such contamination effects in the mission design phase. Therefore, the Gateway Induced Environments and Thermal teams have worked with JPL Contamination Control to develop modular simulation tools for the prediction of molecular contaminant depositions across the mission life, and for use in requirements derivation and sensitivity assessments. Free-molecular transport and deposition of outgassing products onto sensitive Gateway receiver surfaces is calculated using a viewfactor matrix approach, while International Space Station (ISS)-heritage bipropellant plume models are used to evaluate contaminant fluxes generated by the operation of thrusters on Gateway modules and the Orion spacecraft. The alteration of optical properties, e.g. the solar absorptance, of contaminated surfaces is likewise calculated using an ISS-heritage semi-empirical model premised on flight and laboratory testing data. This framework is intended to support early identification of potential integration issues and establish a baseline for incorporating improved analysis and test data as the Gateway design matures.