Simulated Debris Impact Testing of Additively Manufactured Origami Mirror Structure for Space-Based SSA

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

9-16-2023

Abstract

The imaging and inspection of Resident Space Objects (RSOs) is an increasingly important Space Situational Awareness (SSA) mission as space-faring nations and commercial enterprises alike seek to develop means to repair and refuel satellites, as well as de-orbit RSOs in order to reduce orbital debris. The physical experimentation phase will focus on the debris environment and assessing on-orbit survivability. Any space structure is subject to several critical environmental factors including charging, radiation, heating cycles, and meteoroid and space debris impact. Mirrors and gossamer structures are especially susceptible to micrometeoroid and space debris impacts due to their thin, non- rigid design and potentially large profile once deployed. Using a cold-gas gun at the Air Force Research Laboratory, the impact effects of simulated debris traveling at relative speeds congruent with operations in geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO) and cislunar space will be ascertained for the additively manufactured origami flasher and mirror. The hybrid additive manufacture of a polymer and metal (e.g., UTLEM and Nitinol) is novel and may create structural weakness. Impact testing of the origami structure will reveal these weaknesses and provide an assessment regarding the structural integrity of hybrid additively manufactured origami structures for use with the space-based SSA mission.

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Copyright © 2023 Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance Technologies Conference (AMOS)

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2023 Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance Technologies Conference (AMOS)

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