The implementation of cost effective debris protection in unmanned spacecraft

Stokes, P.H. and Swinerd, G.G. (2004) The implementation of cost effective debris protection in unmanned spacecraft. Advances in Space Research, 34 (5), 1090-1096. (doi:10.1016/j.asr.2003.12.007).

Abstract

Proper characterisation of the survivability of an unmanned spacecraft to debris impact must go beyond just a simple assessment of the probability of penetration. Some penetrative damage may be survivable, particularly if critical internal equipment is arranged judiciously. Consideration of the satellite architecture can be seen as a potentially cost-effective and complementary approach to the more traditional method of adding shielding mass. To quantify the benefits of both strategies, and identify candidate protection solutions for a typical satellite design, a new model called SHIELD has been developed. Competing protection options are evaluated using a survivability metric. Rapid convergence on one or more ‘good' designs can also be achieved with a built-in genetic algorithm search method. SHIELD's potential as a project support tool is illustrated by applying it to the survivability evaluation of a satellite currently under design. The effectiveness of the genetic algorithm is also demonstrated, but on a more idealised spacecraft design.

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