Implementation of a Cryogenic Facility for Space Debris Analysis

Abstract

This paper has resulted from a continued study of spacecraft material degradation and space debris formation. The design and implementation of a thermal vacuum cycling cryogenic facility for the evaluation of space debris generation at a low Earth orbit (LEO) is presented. The facility used for spacecraft external material evaluation is described, and some of the obtained results are presented. The infrastructure was developed in the framework of a study for the European Space Agency (ESA). The main purpose of the cryogenic facility is to simulate the LEO spacecraft environment, namely thermal cycling and vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) irradiation to simulate the spacecraft material degradation and the generation of space debris. In a previous work, some results under LEO test conditions showed the effectiveness of the cryogenic facility for material evaluation, namely: the degradation of satellite paints with a change in their thermo-optical properties, leading to the emission of cover flakes; the degradation of the pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) used to glue Velcro’s to the spacecraft, and to glue multilayer insulation (MLI) to the spacecraft’s. The paint flakes generated are space debris. Hence, in a scenario of space missions where a spacecraft has lost the thermal shielding capability, the failure of PSA tape and the loss of Velcro properties may contribute to the release of the full MLI blanket, contributing to the generation of space debris that presents a growing threat to space missions in the main Earth orbits.

Space debris generation in GEO: Space materials testing and evaluation

“…In previous research we have reported a study on generation of space debris in simulated LEO conditions [10,11]. Also, we have reported a first incite on a study on generation of space debris in simulated GEO conditions [12].…”

A Study of a Cryogenic CuAlMn Shape Memory Alloy

“…The active or passive control of structures at cryogenic temperatures through SMA is a novel and appealing application in severe environments where the temperature might drop extremely low. The space industry may be the main field of application for cryogenic shape memory alloys since they can be used to shield equipment (like satellites) from permanent damage caused by temperature fluctuations brought on by differences in sun irradiation when in orbit [18]. Similarly, these alloys can be used to safeguard cryogenic equipment like infrared detection systems, which are frequently employed in low-temperature environments to increase detection efficiency by reducing background noise interference and dark current detection (these detectors typically operate below 150 K) [19].…”

Satellite Star Tracker Breadboard with Space Debris Detection Capability for LEO

“…Based on recent estimates, the number of orbital debris in space amounts to 139 million [4]. Such overpopulation of debris increases the chance of several events that could lead to catastrophic consequences, such as collisions, fragmentations, and uncontrolled reentries in the Earth's atmosphere [4][5][6][7][8][9]. Such a risk forced worldwide space agencies to develop a set of countermeasures to prevent and/or mitigate possible threats.…”