1. Orbital Debris Detector Sensor Subsystem
Elizabeth Jesse

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

3. Purpose
Debris smaller than a 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.

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. Sensor Testing

9. Medium Speed Data

10. 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.

11. Questions