Outgassing

Outgassing is the release of gases trapped within materials or components when they are exposed to the vacuum of space. Gases absorbed or trapped during manufacture can expand and escape in orbit, potentially leading to structural damage, mechanical distortion, or degradation of sensitive spacecraft systems.

In addition to structural effects, outgassing products can condense on optical surfaces, thermal radiators, and sensors, reducing performance or causing long-term contamination. Outgassing is mitigated through careful material selection, component design, pre-flight bake-out, and strict quality control during manufacture.