INVESTIGATION OF TOXIC PROPERTIES OF MATERIALS USED IN SPACE VEHICLES

The objectives of this program were: (1) to compile lists of materials presently used or proposed for use in spacecraft - specifically, the Apollo, Mercury, Gemini, and Dyna-Soar programs - and to and to assess the possible toxic properties and breakdown products of these materials under thermal and other anticipated stresses and (2) to evaluate methods for the detection and identification of space cabin contaminants for the purpose of compiling the requirements, methods, and specifications on available instrumentation. These in turn can serve as the basis for development of a compact kit for detection of toxic off-gassing from materials employed in space vehicles. For other than short duration missions, monitoring instrumentation must be capable of the detection and identification of a wide variety of toxic contaminants, some of which may not have been anticipated. A highly sensitive multiple gas detector, either directly or in combination with a trace gas separation and concentration technique, appears to be a desirable approach.