Space debris generation in GEO: Space materials testing and evaluation

Duzellier, S.; Gordo, Paulo; Melício, Rui; Valério, Duarte; Millinger, Mark; Amorim, A.

doi:10.1016/j.actaastro.2021.12.036

Cited by 16 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 19 publications

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“…Based on recent estimates, the number of orbital debris in space amounts to 139 million [4]. Such overpopulation of debris increases the chance of several events that could lead to catastrophic consequences, such as collisions, fragmentations, and uncontrolled reentries in the Earth's atmosphere [4][5][6][7][8][9]. Such a risk forced worldwide space agencies to develop a set of countermeasures to prevent and/or mitigate possible threats.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Satellite Star Tracker Breadboard with Space Debris Detection Capability for LEO

Filho

Gordo

Peixinho

et al. 2023

J. Phys.: Conf. Ser.

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This paper evaluates the possibility of having a star tracker device running space debris algorithms. A simple star tracker breadboard was developed to evaluate the possibility of having a device running both stellar identification and space debris algorithms. The breadboard was built with commercial off-the-shelf components, representing the current star tracker resolution and field of view. A star tracker device and space debris algorithms were implemented and tested, respectively: Tetra and ASTRiDE. The device concept was tested by taking pictures of the night sky with satellite streaks. Seeking to overcome such limitations, a dual-purpose star tracker with stars detection and optical debris detection capability is proposed. Star trackers are usually used in satellites for attitude determination and therefore have a vast potential to be a major tool for space debris detection. The rapid increase of space debris poses a risk to space activities, so it is vital to detect it. Ground-based radar and optical telescope techniques used for debris detection are limited by a size threshold, detecting only a tiny amount of the total, reason why evaluating the possibility of detecting them in space is of major importance.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Satellite Star Tracker Breadboard with Space Debris Detection Capability for LEO

Filho

Gordo

Peixinho

et al. 2023

J. Phys.: Conf. Ser.

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“…In this context, developing and updating debris population models [17] as well as analysing the vulnerability of spacecraft architectures and components [18,19] is essential to finding solutions for reducing the degradation of the debris environment. In addition, ground test activities on large [20][21][22] and small [23,24] spacecraft mock-ups, CubeSat [25] and Picosat [26,27] models, as well as the development of numerical simulation tools [28][29][30][31][32] through the utilization of ground test data and space breakup event observations are fundamental steps in understanding the generation of space debris formation [25].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Design of the Sabot-Stopping System for a Single-Stage Light-Gas Gun for High-Velocity Impacts

Barilaro,

Wylie,

Shafeeg

2023

Applied Sciences

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Collisions of space debris and micrometeorites with spacecraft represent an existential hazard for human activities in near-Earth orbits. Currently, guidelines, policies, and best practices are encouraged to help mitigate further propagation of this space debris field from redundant spacecraft and satellites. However, the existing space debris field is an environment that still poses a great threat and requires the design of contingency and fail-safe systems for new spacecraft. In this context, both the monitoring and tracking of space debris impact paths, along with knowledge of spacecraft design features that can withstand such impacts, are essential. Regarding the latter, terrestrial test facilities allow for replicating of space debris collisions in a safe and controlled laboratory environment. In particular, light-gas guns allow launching impactors at speeds in the high-velocity and hypervelocity ranges. The data acquired from these tests can be employed to validate in-orbit observations and structural simulations and to verify spacecraft components’ survivability. Typically, projectiles are launched and protected using a sabot system. This assembly, known as a launch package, is fired towards a sabot-stopping system. The sabot separates from the rest of the launch package, to avoid target contamination, and allows the projectile to travel towards the target through an opening in the assembly. The response and survivability of the sabot-stopping system, along with the transmission of the forces to the light-gas gun structure and prevention of target contamination, is an important design feature of these test apparatuses. In the framework of the development of Malta’s first high-velocity impact facility, particular attention was dedicated to this topic: in this paper, the description of a novel sabot-stopping system is provided. The system described in this research is mechanically decoupled from the interaction with the impact chamber and the light-gas gun pump tube; this solution avoids damage in case of failures and allows easier operations during the pre- and post-test phases.

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“…9,10 Meanwhile, spacecraft serve in a complex space environment, especially in low Earth orbit, which mainly includes high-vacuum and high-energy charged particle irradiation. 11,12 High-energy electrons and protons irradiation further exacerbate the embrittlement of CE resins, which poses a great threat to the normal operation, in-orbit reliability, as well as the lifetime of spacecraft and is one of the main causes of spacecraft material degradation and damage. 13,14 Given that CE resins are inherently brittle, 15 and the space environment exacerbates the embrittlement, microcracks can easily appear within the resin during spacecraft service, which could seriously damage the structural integrity of the materials.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…On the other hand, CE resins have poor fracture toughness and are prone to microcracks under service loads, thus destroying the structural integrity of the materials 9,10 . Meanwhile, spacecraft serve in a complex space environment, especially in low Earth orbit, which mainly includes high‐vacuum and high‐energy charged particle irradiation 11,12 . High‐energy electrons and protons irradiation further exacerbate the embrittlement of CE resins, which poses a great threat to the normal operation, in‐orbit reliability, as well as the lifetime of spacecraft and is one of the main causes of spacecraft material degradation and damage 13,14…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Novel multifunctional microcapsule and its cyanate ester resin composites with self‐healing ability and gamma radiation shielding ability

Rui

Chen

Zhao

et al. 2022

J of Applied Polymer Sci

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Resin-based composites used in spacecraft face risks from space debris and high-energy charged particles during their long-term service in the space environment. This work proposes a novel microcapsule (MC) and its cyanate ester (CE) resin-based composites (CE/MCs) with self-healing ability and gamma radiation shielding ability. The multifunctional epoxy/lead tungstate (EP@PWO) microcapsules are developed through self-assembly method and in-situ precipitation method. These microcapsules and curing agent 4,4 0diaminodiphenylsulfone (DDS) are incorporated into the CE resin to form resin-based composites with low curing temperature, self-healing ability, and

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Space debris generation in GEO: Space materials testing and evaluation

Cited by 16 publications

References 19 publications

Satellite Star Tracker Breadboard with Space Debris Detection Capability for LEO

Satellite Star Tracker Breadboard with Space Debris Detection Capability for LEO

Design of the Sabot-Stopping System for a Single-Stage Light-Gas Gun for High-Velocity Impacts

Novel multifunctional microcapsule and its cyanate ester resin composites with self‐healing ability and gamma radiation shielding ability

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