Solutions to reduce the vulnerability of space systems to impacts of small debris particles

Paper number

IAC-12,A6,4,4,x13669

Author

Mr. Claude Cougnet, EADS Astrium, France

Coauthor

Dr. Michael Oswald, EADS Astrium, Germany

Coauthor

Mr. Bernard Gergonne, EADS Astrium, France

Coauthor

Mr. Matthieu David, EADS Astrium, Germany

Coauthor

Dr. Hedley Stokes, PHS Space Ltd, United Kingdom

Coauthor

Mr. Robin Putzar, Fraunhofer - Institute for High-Speed Dynamics, Germany

Year

2012

Abstract

The number of debris in space will continue to increase even if rules are applied by the space
community to limit the generation of new debris. Thus, the presence of debris represents an increasing
risk for the survivability of space assets.
Large debris (>10 cm) can be tracked, allowing satellites to perform avoidance manoeuvres, and small
size debris (< 1mm) are usually taken into account in the design of the spacecraft. However, medium
size debris which cannot be tracked, but can have a dramatic effect on the space mission, remains a
significant threat.
A European FP7 project, entitled ReVuS, commenced in 2011 with the objective to define design
solutions that will reduce the vulnerability of future low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to small- and
medium-sized debris (typically 1mm to 5 cm).
In the beginning, an assessment of the vulnerability of current LEO satellites to these types of debris
has been performed on two representative satellites. It has allowed to evaluate the failure probability
for the entire satellite, and to identify the critical areas and equipment on the satellites, and the most
critical size range for the impacting debris.
From this analysis, a set of potential solutions to minimise the vulnerability of the satellite, both at
system and architecture levels, has been identified for assessment.
The system level solutions cover the fractionated satellite and distributed systems.
The use of shielding protection is the main solution at architecture level. The definition of several
shielding configurations will take into account areas and equipment to be protected. Several shielding
materials will be defined, in line with the proposed configurations. A set of selected shielding solutions,
including materials, will be manufactured and tested.
Other possible architecture level solutions are also being assessed.
The paper will describe the results of the vulnerability analysis and the selected solutions.

Abstract document

IAC-12,A6,4,4,x13669.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-12,A6,4,4,x13669.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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