In the course of space exploring, accidents and failures related to troubles in the spacecraft friction units often occur.

In space machinery, it is necessary to apply specific anti-friction materials and coatings that are operable under conditions of open space which is characterized by extremely low and high temperatures, low atmospheric pressure from 0.1 MPa, deep vacuum, etc.

Greases and oil are rarely used in the mechanisms functioning in open space because of their high evaporability. That’s why for the friction units of the spacecraft external equipment, devices, life-support systems, anti-friction solid-film coatings (based on MoS2, mainly) are used. They affect to a considerable degree on operability of the spacecraft equipment units.

One of the leading enterprises of the rocket-and-space industry has held a study in the field of application of the anti-friction solid-film coatings and self-lubricating materials.

This study results were published in the journal of the Moscow Aviation Institute, they contain information on the experience of implementing MODENGY 1001 and MODENGY 1002 anti-friction solid-film coatings of cold cure into the friction surfaces of the space machinery large-scale parts, namely, the supporting arms made of aluminum alloy.

The spacecraft designer and manufacturer has remarked that MODENGY coatings of Russian production distinguish themselves by convenience and technological easiness of applying them as well as by long service lifetime and high tribological properties.

Use of these solid-film coatings enable to effectively solve issues of higher friction and wear of the spacecraft units at very low and extremely high temperatures, in deep vacuum, and other conditions typical for the atmospheres of other planets.

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