LEO (Low Earth Orbit PSI 1) is a horizontally orientated facility. It providesthe possibility of a vertical sample accommodation for optical radiation exposure on a cold plate, supported by a cold shroud. Polychromatic radiation is conducted by metal halogenide solar simulators (1000 W / 2000 W). A variety of neutral density filters and cut-off filters are available. For all other applications horizontal sample exposure is possible. The large inner volume has been successfully used for several experiments in the frame of the mission preparation for the ISS experiment MATROSHKA. The vertical sample accommodation area is evenly illuminated and assures the simultaneous irradiation of a high amount of samples with minimal shading effects. In spite of the enormous size of the recipient vacuum values down to 5 x 10-5 Pa are achievable in short time periods. Beyond that a high variety of gas compositions for the simulation of planetary environments are attachable.
General technical specification
Usable inner size: D x H [m]: 0.50 x 0.35
Pressure [Pa]: down to 5 x 10-5
Temperature range, stability [K]: 248 – 353, +/- 0.1
Irradiation source: 1000 W / 2000 W polychromatic metal halogenide
Vertical (UV) and horizontal sample accommodation possible