Novel Orbital Debris Protection of Spacecraft

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Orbital debris poses a significant threat to space flight safety - even small particles can damage, degrade, or destroy spacecraft due to the very high velocities involved in a collision, which average about 9 km/s. The purpose of the proposed research program is to pursue research efforts in the field of Micrometeoroid and Orbital Debris (MMOD). There has been a dramatic rise in the density of orbital debris and this represents an ever-growing destructive threat to Canadian space assets. This is a strategic and economic concern for Canada due to the importance of these assets and the high cost associated with their manufacture and deployment. Due to the size of investments (such as $110 million dollar contract for the RADARSAT Constellation Mission program), Canadian Space Agency (CSA) has identified new defensive technologies as a key strategic priority for the Canadian space sector. Methods for debris impact modeling (which will include material, geometrical, and numerical models) need to be advanced in order to allow satellite vendors to investigate new shield configurations and predict their performance under impact stress. This will allow production of more durable space vehicles with longer lifespans that will ultimately prolong the functional duration of future Canadian space missions to the benefit of all Canadians. The primary objective of this research program is to improve our understanding of MMOD impact processes. In so doing, it is expected to develop more accurate models of impact behavior which would be invaluable to satellite community to develop improved shielding and more durable satellite component designs. Considering the complex nature of hypervelocity impact phenomena and the variety of possible protection solutions, this work will require a combination of numerical and experimental study of hypervelocity impact on shield configurations to fully understand the physical processes and show the accuracy of the simulation models and methods used. The proposed program will address the protection of general spacecraft equipment, and will additionally focus on protection of composite overwrapped pressure vessels. When a pressure vessel fails explosively due to the loss of structural integrity from an impact of space debris, it can cause major damage to the equipment and a considerable amount of new space debris is created. HQP will be involved in all aspects of the work, including physical experiments and detailed numerical model development. HQP will also have the opportunity to interact with experienced satellite engineers to gain a better appreciation of the practical concerns faced by the industry with respect to satellite design. In addition to new HQP, Canadian space sector will benefit from the research outcomes of the proposed program, which will impact future satellite designs and increase their competitiveness within the industry.