Technical Research on ISS Russian Segment

Experiment Tribokosmos

Objective:

Study of space technology advanced materials for friction and wear in outer space and ground-based laboratories.

Used science hardware:

• Tribometer;
• Plain bearing module.

Description of the experiment:

Development of the procedure to forecast long-term serviceability of materials in pendulum and plain bearings, as well as gear transmissions based upon short-term tests.
Development of scientific equipment to conduct tests for friction and wear in outer space onboard the International Space Station.
Investigation of space flight impact on structural material friction and wear.

Experiment results:

Forecasting for 15 years of friction units serviceability based upon ground and flight tests. Creation of database for materials of tribotechnical purpose for advanced space technology.