Hypervelocity Impact (HVI) Tests & Signal Recordings

Among the other hazards that occur in space environment, due to the increased space activity, especially the intensification of spacecraft lunches but also to the poor standardization of space activity or lack of means in cleaning the space environment from space debris and non-functional satellites, the number of potential micrometeoroid and orbital debris impact continue to grow exponentially, fact that could render the space in-utilizable in the next decades. The aim of this paper, as a part of larger work, is to present the experimental part that was performed in order to acquire valid vibrational signals that afterwards will be studied using an in-house signal analysis software in order to determine in real-time the characteristics of hypervelocity impact damage. Starting from the selection of materials which are used mostly for the impact protection systems but also for the spacecraft structure and from of thoroughly review of impact detection technologies, six hypervelocity tests was performed in low-velocity regime on aluminum and carbon fiber targets. As a result, valid recordings of accelerations were obtained from the sensors mounted on the targets and outside of testing chamber. Moreover, the experimental session permitted to have an insight in preparation of this type of tests, specific to space debris hypervelocity impact, as well as the particularities in performing the test and acquiring useable signal for further analysis. Key Word and Phrases Hypervelocity Impact, Orbital Debris, Vibrational Signals, Collision Risk, Damage Tests.