The main topic of this thesis is the modeling of multi-layer insulation (MLI) as a potential source for space debris. Observation data which seems to be consistent with the specific properties of multi-layer insulation exists almost exclusively for the geosynchronous orbit region. An emphasis is therefore put on this altitude regime. The European Space Agency’s (ESA) reference model for the terrestrial space debris environment MASTER-2009 includes multi-layer insulation as part of the space debris population based on the latest comprehensive models. These rely on several assumptions which lead to a seemingly unrealistic escalation of MLI beyond the validated reference epoch of May 1st 2009. In the frame of the current thesis, published results from ground tests and from in-situ measurements from spacecraft were used to make significant improvements to the MLI fragmentation model. In the course of the work indications increased which suggest that the amount of MLI which is released from spacecraft due to deterioration is subordinate to the amount which is created in fragmentations. For this reason it was decided to rely exclusively on the updated fragmentation model as source for MLI debris. Additional simulations were performed to better understand uncertainties in the orbit prediction of MLI objects due to simplifying assumptions primarily regarding the shape of the objects. A validation of the new model outputs was performed against survey data of the geosynchronous and geotransfer orbit regions which has been obtained using the ESA Space Debris Telescope (SDT). In the course of this validation, strong evidence was found that non-MLI debris created in explosions of Ariane H-10 upper stages between 1984 and 2002 has previously been under-predicted. Specifically the fragmentation cloud of the upper stage with the international designator 1989-006B which exploded on January 1st 2001 could be unmistakably identified in the SDT’s data. The simulation results for MLI and non-MLI debris presented in this thesis show good agreement with published observations of the geosynchronous and geotransfer region, supporting the validity of the updated debris population modeling.
Multi-Layer Insulation as Contribution to Orbital Debris
Mehrschichtisolationsfolie als Beitrag zu Weltraummüll
2013
Miscellaneous
Electronic Resource
English
DDC: | 629.1 |
Multi-Layer Insulation Debris Sightings on Orbit
NTRS | 2008
|Online Contents | 1993
NTIS | 1985
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