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Characterization of Orbital Debris via Hyper-Velocity Laboratory-Based TestsExisting DOD and NASA satellite breakup models are based on a key laboratory test, Satellite Orbital debris Characterization Impact Test (SOCIT), which has supported many applications and matched on-orbit events involving older satellite designs reasonably well over the years. In order to update and improve these models, the NASA Orbital Debris Program Office, in collaboration with the Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center, The Aerospace Corporation, and the University of Florida, replicated a hypervelocity impact using a mock-up satellite, DebriSat, in controlled laboratory conditions. DebriSat is representative of present-day LEO satellites, built with modern spacecraft materials and construction techniques. Fragments down to 2 mm in size will be characterized by their physical and derived properties. A subset of fragments will be further analyzed in laboratory radar and optical facilities to update the existing radar-based NASA Size Estimation Model (SEM) and develop a comparable optical-based SEM. A historical overview of the project, status of the characterization process, and plans for integrating the data into various models will be discussed herein.
Document ID
20170002906
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Cowardin, Heather (Jacobs Technology, Inc. Houston, TX, United States)
Liou, J.-C. (NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Anz-Meador, Phillip (Jacobs Technology, Inc. Houston, TX, United States)
Sorge, Marlon (Aerospace Corp. Albuquerque, NM, United States)
Opiela, John (Jacobs Technology, Inc. Houston, TX, United States)
Fitz-Coy, Norman (Florida Univ. Gainesville, FL, United States)
Huynh, Tom (Air Force Space Div. El Segundo, CA, United States)
Krisko, Paula (Jacobs Technology, Inc. Houston, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
April 4, 2017
Publication Date
April 18, 2017
Subject Category
Astrodynamics
Report/Patent Number
JSC-CN-39162
Meeting Information
Meeting: European Conference on Space Debris
Location: Darmstadt
Country: Germany
Start Date: April 18, 2017
End Date: April 21, 2017
Sponsors: European Space Agency
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.

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