Addressing the Orbital Debris Threat Directionality for Enhanced Protection of Low-Earth-Orbit Robotic Spacecraft

Abstract

This study conducts a detailed investigation into addressing the directionality of micrometeoroid and orbital debris (MMOD) threats, emphasizing the strategic placement of protective resources on a spacecraft. The research considers the conversion of the structural sandwich panel and the multilayer thermal blanket into multifunctional elements that provide MMOD protection without causing substantial weight gain or affecting operational parameters. The effectiveness of the reconfigured components, such as the foam core sandwich panel and multilayer insulation blanket toughened by Nextel fabrics, is evaluated using developed and validated numerical models and experimental methods. Their performance is demonstrated by meeting the protection needs of the Canadian robotic Radarsat Constellation Mission spacecraft.