VULNERABILITY OF SATELLITE EQUIPMENT TO HYPERVELOCITY IMPACTS
- Paper number
IAC-08.A6.3.2
- Author
Dr. Frank K. Schaefer, Fraunhofer, Institute for High-Speed Dynamics, Germany
- Coauthor
Mr. Robin Putzar, Fraunhofer-Institute for High-Speed Dynamics, Germany
- Coauthor
Mr. Michel Lambert, European Space Agency (ESA), The Netherlands
- Year
2008
- Abstract
Satellite equipment is vulnerable to hypervelocity impacts. This is primarily because lightweight satellite structure walls offer a low penetration resistance against impact of particles and because the equipment inside the satellite is not designed to withstand impacts of fragments that are generated through a complete perforation of a satellite structure wall. To create a better understanding of the impact damages and impact-induced failure modes of satellite equipment that is "shielded" by typical satellite structure walls, a project was initiated by ESA-ESTEC that was contracted to a consortium led by Fraunhofer EMI (Ernst-Mach-Institute). The investigated equipment was fuel and heat pipes, pressure vessels, electronics boxes, harness, and batteries. All equipment was placed behind honeycomb sandwich panels and was kept in an operating mode. This paper describes the test campaign, the results of the hypervelocity impact tests, and the generated damages as well as the observed failure modes of the equipment. The findings of this study may provide hints or explanations for unresolved malfunctions or failures observed by satellite operators on current missions.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-08.A6.3.2.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.