Space vehicles configured with a micrometeoroid and orbital debris (MMOD) protection system are described herein. The MMOD protection system can include (a) a front face sheet and a rear face sheet spaced apart from the front face sheet directed outwardly, and the rear face sheet being positioned to attach to the space launch vehicle; (b) at least one absorption core layer and at least one impact resistant fabric layer positioned between the front face sheet and the rear face sheet; and (c) an expandable adhesive layer carried by the rear face sheet to attach the MMOD protection system to the space launch vehicle. The front face sheet and the rear face sheet can comprise a metal matrix composite. The MMOD protection system can protect the space vehicle from damage in space, while withstanding launch loads, and can accordingly eliminate the need for a protective launch fairing.
MMOD PROTECTION STRUCTURES FOR AEROSPACE VEHICLES, ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS, AND METHODS
2023-06-22
Patent
Electronic Resource
English
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