Grease in space?

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Alan Erskine - 08 Jun 2008 17:16 GMT

I would have thought it would evaporate. I seem to remember the RMS and the
original drill on the shuttle used carbon lubricant - when did they start
using grease in space and how long does it last before it evaporates?

Are there any specs on the grease publically available?

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Damon Hill - 09 Jun 2008 10:51 GMT

> I would have thought it would evaporate. I seem to remember the RMS
> and the original drill on the shuttle used carbon lubricant - when did
> they start using grease in space and how long does it last before it
> evaporates?
>
> Are there any specs on the grease publically available?

Hydrocarbon-based greases presumably outgas, a lot. I'm guessing
graphite and silicon-based lubricants are the preferred choices,
molybdenum disulfide, teflon, probably some exotic stuffs.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grease_(lubricant)

Do a web search for vacuum lubricants and greases.

--Damon

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JKM - 06 Jul 2008 20:39 GMT

>> I would have thought it would evaporate. I seem to remember the RMS
>> and the original drill on the shuttle used carbon lubricant - when did
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
>
> --Damon

John and Olivia in a remake? :-)

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Space Forum / Space Station / July 2008

Grease in space?