Designing a Micrometeoroid Impact Detector*

The low earth orbit (LEO) is being populated with a large number of spacecraft. For example, Elon Musk’s Starlink constellation consists of over 3,300 satellites and has been approved for 12,000, and is seeking approval for an additional 30,000. Satellite operators, like the US Government, are becoming increasingly concerned about space debris present in LEO. Small debris not trackable with telescopes are of special concern as their quantities, distribution, and characteristics are unknown. This work aims at closing that micrometeoroid and orbital debris (MMOD) knowledge gap.

 

SwRI is developing a technology that will enable detection and characterization of MMOD in low Earth orbit. The technology includes an instrumented aluminum panel that can be installed on a satellite and, with the appropriate sensor and software suite, is able to detect and characterize impacts while in orbit. The stress waves produced by the impact on the panel will be selected on-board, treated, and sent to the ground for further analysis.

 

Computer simulations in 2D and 3D were performed to study the viability of the technology. Fully instrumented panels were tested under hypervelocity impact using SwRI’s small two-stage light-gas gun. The small-scale panels were impacted multiple times at velocities up to 6 km/s with aluminum and steel spheres. The test provided a sample of sensor data associated with actual high velocity impacts. This presentation will summarize the results, show interesting observations, and compare results with CTH simulations.