Orbital Debris Detector Sensor Subsystem Elizabeth Jesse

Overview SWESat Overview Sensor Requirements Previous Progress Current Phase Data / Necessary Changes Future Tasks

Purpose Debris smaller than a 10-30 cm cannot be detected from the Earth’s surface but does a majority of the damage to satellites;  Information on the smaller debris is extrapolated from space exposed surfaces returned to Earth; and Information on higher altitude and higher angle of inclination orbits is based on conjecture.

Sensor Requirements Record the size speed and direction of debris to improve existing debris models Register signal from debris impact Determine size between 10 µm and 1 cm Determine speed Determine direction Mount on SWESat and/or as a payload on another mission.

Design Sensor made of piezo film polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) Nickel and Aluminum Both sides coated with Kapton (polyimide) Tape Emits an electric signal when stressed Wires connected to the nickel-aluminum coating transfer signal to the computer

SWESat Design Prototype - 6 inch square of film in an aluminum frame Each sensor will be electrically and structurally isolated A grid pattern of these modules will make up the SWESat sensor

Sensor Testing Low speed drop tests: Medium speed testing: Metal tip darts Various radius shot Speed based on height Medium speed testing: 1.5 to 2 km/s 10 µm to 1 cm High speed testing Up to 10 km/s

Sensor Testing

Medium Speed Data

The Next Steps Mount the Film on a substrate. Retest in April 2008. Analyze the data specifically as a payload on another mission. Develop a method of testing that allows particle to pass through the sensor. High Speed testing.

Questions