Described in detail are the preparation, properties, and qualification testing of two new coatings for use in satellites that are exposed to extraterrestrial solar irradiance. The first is a black coating, called APL Conductive Black No. 100, which was developed at APL for use on the DME-A satellite. The second coating is presently in the development stage and is produced by the application of a number of dielectric-coated second-surface silver mirrors to the surface of the satellite. Although this type of coating has not been selected for any particular APL satellite, it appears likely that it could result in a significant breakthrough in the field of stable low a/e coatings for use in extraterrestrial space.
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