On-orbit fragmentation of Briz-M
- Paper number
IAC-13,A6,2,2,x17136
- Author
Dr. Carsten Wiedemann, Technical University of Braunschweig, Germany
- Coauthor
Mr. Christopher Kebschull, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Germany
- Coauthor
Mr. Sven Kevin Flegel, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Germany
- Coauthor
Mr. Johannes Gelhaus, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Germany
- Coauthor
Mr. Marek Möckel, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Germany
- Coauthor
Mr. Vitali Braun, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Germany
- Coauthor
Mr. Jonas Radtke, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Germany
- Coauthor
Dr. Ingo Retat, EADS Astrium Space Transportation GmbH, Germany
- Coauthor
Mr. Bernd Bischof, EADS Astrium Space Transportation GmbH, Germany
- Coauthor
Prof. Peter Voersmann, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Germany
- Year
2013
- Abstract
Orbital debris objects in the size regime between one to ten centimeters diameter pose a particular risk to satellites. They are too small for being tracked. But on low Earth orbits (LEO) they have sufficient kinetic energy to put a satellite out of action in the case of a collision. The largest share of objects in this size regime is fragmentation debris. Explosions of spacecraft due to the ignition of on-board fuels are a major source for the production of such debris. In October 2012 an upper stage of the type Briz-M exploded on an eccentric orbit with a very low perigee. The event produced a debris cloud. The explosion took place at the perigee of the orbit close to the Earth's atmosphere. Thus a short orbital lifetime of the debris can be expected. The fragmentation event is simulated. The debris distribution is presented. It is examined how the debris is spread over Earth's orbits and which risk they pose to satellites. The contribution to the background population is determined. The descent rates of the fragments are calculated. The expected lifetime of the debris is analyzed for the coming years. It turns out that the vast majority of objects larger than ten centimeters is expected to re-enter the atmosphere within two years.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-13,A6,2,2,x17136.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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