Abstract Atomic oxygen (AO) is the dominant constituent of the residual atmosphere in low Earth orbit (LEO). AO collides with spacecraft at a velocity of 8 km/s, causing oxidation and erosion of polymeric materials. Particularly in very low Earth orbit (VLEO) at altitudes below 300 km, the AO density is at least ten times that at 500–700 km, and the concentration of molecular nitrogen (N2) is 10% or more. Such high-flux AO and N2 can cause nonlinear processes and mass losses for polymers. This study aims to clarify the optical property changes for polymeric materials exposed to LEO and VLEO in the Material Degradation Monitor (MDM) mission onboard the Super-Low-Altitude Test Satellite (SLATS). The AO and N2 fluences and the UV irradiances were estimated using the NRLMSISE-00 atmospheric and solar radiation models. The relationships were investigated between the changes in CCD images and the estimated fluences of the samples. For silsesquioxane (SQ)-coated polyimide film, the diffuse reflection of visible light increased noticeably with an AO fluence above 1 × 10²¹ atoms/cm². The formation of a silica layer on the coating induces cracks. For silver-coated FEP films, the diffuse reflection increased entirely at AO fluences above 3 × 10²¹ atoms/cm². The AO and N2 collisions would erode and roughen the FEP surfaces. Visible transmission through silver-coated FEP films also increased locally with increasing AO fluence, indicating that some AO oxidized the silver layer despite the presence of an Inconel (Ni alloy) layer. The visible reflection from Beta Cloth was decreased by its reaction with UV. Further, the competitive reactions with UV and AO resulted in two-step changes in the visible reflection from the ETFE polymer (cable covering).

Highlights • Density of atomic oxygen (AO) is exceptionally high in very low Earth orbit (VLEO). • Material Degradation Monitor (MDM) exposed 13 spacecraft materials to LEO and VLEO. • Cracks were seen for SQ-coated polyimide at the AO fluence above 1 × 10²¹ atoms/cm². • Surfaces of FEP films were roughened by the AO fluence above 3 × 10²¹ atoms/cm². • Silver coatings of the FEPs would be oxidized by AO despite Inconel coating.