Updates on the Debrisat Hypervelocity Experiment and Characterization of Fragments in Support of Environmental Models

Abstract

To develop, maintain, and update orbital debris environmental and break-up models, such as the NASA orbital debris engineering model (ordem) and the NASA standard satellite breakup model (ssbm), the NASA orbital debris program office (odpo) relies on the most recent validated datasets from various measurement sources, both laboratory and environmental. One key project that will provide insight for break-up events using modern-day spacecraft mate-rials and construction techniques is the debrisat laboratory hypervelocity-impact test. Based on the mass of the target, the projectile, and the impact velocity, the expected number of fragments greater than 2 mm, generated using the NASA ssbm, was estimated to be close to 85,000. To date, the debrisat fragment database continues to grow, with over 200,000 fragments collected that will help inform updates to the ssbm. Additionally, the growing fragment ensemble will support key parameters for the next release of NASA’s environmental models, employing fragment shapes, densities, and size distributions.