Development of space stable thermal control coatings for use on large space vehicles

The development of a large scale manufacturing method for the production of a stable zinc orthotitanate pigment is discussed. Major emphasis was placed on the evaluation of the radiation stability of Tektronix, Inc. pigments and of the conditions (time and temperature) leading to high reflection and high optical stability. Paints were formulated in OI-650 and in OI-650G vehicles from pigments which were prepared at various temperatures, some of which were chemically treated to remove ZnO. Ultraviolet irradiation tests of these paints were performed, and observations made regarding optimum pigment preparation parameters