[amsat-bb] Technical question regarding the long term performance of nylon in space

[Graham Shirville]

Hi all,

I think this is a new one!

It has been suggested that the nylon "fishing line" that is sometime used on space craft to retain a deployable item like an antenna or sensor will decay quickly in space due to radiation and out gassing destroying its structure.

This might mean that the usual "hot" knife type cutter system could be redundant if quick release is not a  mission requirement.

Does anyone have any data on this or know if any research has been done?

thanks

Graham
G3VZV