Model improvement for low-velocity collision possible in space

Abstract

We have conducted research related to space debris issues, including impact experiments associated with visualization of fragment creation processes. However, we aim at those phenomena in the geosynchronous regime where the impact velocity is far lower than hypervelocity. The research purpose is to understand dispersion properties of newly created fragments to be used in the eventual orbital dispersion and debris population models. At Kyushu University, the experiments had been carried out up to velocity of 300m/s so far. However, if debris in geostationary transfer orbits should be taken into consideration, the maximum impact velocity on geostationary satellites will become up to 1500 m/s. Therefore, the experiment in 300-1500 m/s is planed to be conducted using the Two-Stage Light Gas Gun at Kyushu Institute of Technology. The similarities and differences in the experimental results from Kyushu University and Kyushu Institute of Technology are discussed.