Novel Debris Protector for Artificial Satellite by Oblique Collision

Abstract

Fossil fuel energy is essential for our modern lives.
Recently, environmental problems caused by the fuel are critical.
Space solar power system (SSPS) is expected as one of future
sustainable energy sources. SSPS will consist of large-size solar
panels and equipment to transmit the electric power to the earth.
Collision of debris with SSPS in space is a matter of concern. In
our former paper, we reported a prospect to construct a thin and
light weight CFRP protector by oblique collision. In the former
experiment, two panels were placed parallel and a nylon 66
projectile was collided with the CFRP panels at a speed of 5 km/s.
The projectile did not penetrate the first CFRP panel and slid
along the surface of it when the collision angle was less than 60
degree. In this paper, damage on the second CFRP panel with an
oblique angle to the first panel, was precisely investigated. A
projectile of nylon-66 or aluminum was collided with the panels at
a speed of 6 km/s. The projectile did not penetrate the second
panel even though the first panel was seriously damaged. From
these results, we obtained a prospect to construct a thin and
lightweight protective panel.