Scope
At altitudes between 100 and 400 km, known as Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO), the residual atmosphere triggers significant aerodynamic drag and material erosion. To start operating routinely at VLEO, materials and coatings must be selected that can resist continuous orbital-velocity interaction with atomic gases and especially atomic oxygen.
This workshop aims at mapping the current state of the art in Europe in the field of material testing for VLEO, and to define areas for future research. This will include traditional approaches to environmental testing as well as new facility developments which could be enabling qualification strategies for future missions.