Photo: Materials on International Space Station Experiment

This close-up image, recorded during a July 12 spacewalk, shows the Materials on International Space Station Experiment – 8 (MISSE-8). The experiment package is a test bed for materials and computing elements attached to the outside of the orbiting complex. These materials and computing elements are being evaluated for the effects of atomic oxygen, ultraviolet, direct sunlight, radiation, and extremes of heat and cold. This experiment allows the development and testing of new materials and computing elements that can better withstand the rigors of space environments.

Results will provide a better understanding of the durability of various materials and computing elements when they are exposed to the space environment, with applications in the design of future spacecraft. ISS028-E-016111 (12 July 2011) — high res (0.7 M) low res (66 K)