Outgassing of space materials, screening tests for COTS components

Materials and components used for the manufacture of the spacecraft systems, must be able to withstand the damaging environmental conditions of space during their operation, in the specific mission for which they are designed. Outgassing, physical phenomenon known as the gradual release of volatile molecular compounds from a material or surface, due to the exposure to the extreme vacuum of the outer space environment, and accelerated with temperature increase, can lead to the damage and degradation of spacecraft component and instrument performance, endangering the mission success.