BS EN 16602-70-17:2020 - Space Product Assurance: Durability Testing of Coatings and Surface Finishes

In the ever-evolving field of space exploration and technology, ensuring the durability and reliability of materials is paramount. The BS EN 16602-70-17:2020 standard is a comprehensive guide that addresses the critical aspect of durability testing for coatings and surface finishes used in space products. Released on April 7, 2020, this standard is an essential resource for professionals in the aerospace industry, providing detailed methodologies and criteria for assessing the longevity and performance of protective coatings in the harsh environment of space.

Key Features of BS EN 16602-70-17:2020

• Standard Number: BS EN 16602-70-17:2020
• Pages: 46
• Release Date: April 7, 2020
• ISBN: 978 0 539 00398 7
• Status: Standard

Comprehensive Coverage

This standard provides a thorough framework for testing the durability of coatings and surface finishes, which are crucial for protecting space equipment from the extreme conditions encountered in space missions. With 46 pages of detailed guidelines, it covers a wide range of testing procedures, ensuring that every aspect of coating durability is meticulously evaluated.

Why Durability Testing is Essential

Space missions expose equipment to a variety of harsh conditions, including extreme temperatures, radiation, and micrometeoroid impacts. Coatings and surface finishes play a vital role in safeguarding the structural integrity and functionality of space products. The BS EN 16602-70-17:2020 standard ensures that these protective layers are rigorously tested to withstand such challenges, thereby enhancing the reliability and safety of space missions.

Who Should Use This Standard?

This standard is indispensable for engineers, material scientists, and quality assurance professionals involved in the design, manufacturing, and testing of space products. It provides the necessary guidelines to ensure that coatings and surface finishes meet the stringent requirements of space applications, thereby contributing to the success of space missions.

Benefits of Implementing BS EN 16602-70-17:2020

• Enhanced Reliability: By adhering to the testing procedures outlined in this standard, organizations can significantly improve the reliability of their space products.
• Cost Efficiency: Identifying potential coating failures before deployment can save significant costs associated with mission failures and repairs.
• Compliance: Ensures compliance with international standards, facilitating collaboration and acceptance in the global aerospace industry.

Detailed Testing Procedures

The BS EN 16602-70-17:2020 standard outlines a variety of testing methods to evaluate the durability of coatings and surface finishes. These include:

• Thermal Cycling Tests: Assessing the ability of coatings to withstand extreme temperature variations.
• Radiation Exposure Tests: Evaluating the resistance of coatings to radiation damage.
• Mechanical Stress Tests: Testing the adhesion and flexibility of coatings under mechanical stress.
• Environmental Exposure Tests: Simulating the effects of space environment on coatings over extended periods.

Conclusion

The BS EN 16602-70-17:2020 standard is a vital tool for ensuring the durability and performance of coatings and surface finishes in space applications. By providing a comprehensive set of testing procedures, it helps organizations enhance the reliability and safety of their space products, ultimately contributing to the success of space missions. Whether you are an engineer, a quality assurance professional, or a material scientist, this standard is an invaluable resource for achieving excellence in space product assurance.

BS EN 16602-70-17:2020

This standard BS EN 16602-70-17:2020 Space product assurance. Durability testing of coatings and surface finishes is classified in these ICS categories:

• 49.140 Space systems and operations
• 49.040 Coatings and related processes used in aerospace industry

This standard specifies requirements for the durability testing of coatings most commonly used for space applications, i.e.:

• Thin film optical coatings

• Thermo-optical and thermal control coatings (the majority are paints, metallic deposits and coatings for stray light reduction)

• Metallic coatings for other applications (RF, electrical, corrosion protection)

This standard covers testing for both ground and in-orbit phases of a space mission.

This standard includes coatings within off the shelf items

This standard specifies the types of test to be performed for each class of coating, covering the different phases of a space project (evaluation, qualification and acceptance)

This standard does not cover:

• The particular qualification requirements for a specific mission

• Specific functional testing requirements for the different coating classes

• Test requirements for long term storage

• Solar cell cover glass coatings

• Surface treatments and conformal coatings applied on EEE parts

This standard may be tailored for the specific characteristic and constrains of a space project in conformance with ECSS-S-ST-00.