An end-of-life scenario for the demise of a LEO satellite might start with deceleration from drag in the LEO environment, followed by heating, ablation, and breakup as the satellite descends into the dense atmosphere. Some key physical and chemical processes would be gas-surface energy transfer, ablation reactions on high-temperature surfaces, and pyrolysis of polymeric materials. Molecular...
The aerodynamic forces and aerothermal loads experienced by spacecraft components during a fragmenting reentry likely influence their trajectories, demisability, and, as a consequence, the resulting ground casualty probability. Due to the complexity of this phenomenon, Design for Demise tools often simplify the dispersion of the fragments and the interactions between the components,...
The PRODUCERS project, funded by ESA and led by Fluid Gravity Engineering, Ltd., aimed to experimentally investigate and computationally predict radiative markers associated with the destructive re-entry of spacecraft at the end of their life. The purpose of the research activity is to improve the analysis of spectroscopic and visual data obtained through dedicated remote observation campaigns...
Setting up a clean scenario for space management, where space debris are effectively removed from orbit following a design-to-demise strategy presents a formidable challenge. This involves employing design tools commonly developed and used for Thermal Protection System (TPS) of reentry vehicles. However, designing for space debris demise introduces a higher level of complexity, requiring...
TA6V (90% Ti, 6% Al and 4% V) is a titanium alloy currently used in spacecraft construction, due to its high mechanical strength and high corrosion resistance. In order to limit the damage caused by space debris, the oxidation phase during earth atmospheric re-entry has to be studied. As TA6V is used in a wide range of applications, many articles were already published on its resistance to...
To assess the effectiveness of tools designed for hypersonic material testing and space debris analysis, it is essential to replicate specific environmental conditions such as pressure, temperature, and shear stress in ground-based testing facilities. As part of the latest developments in space debris material research, the Plasmatron facility at the von Karman Institute now provides a unique...
This study aims at describing the physio-chemical alterations in standard layered materials, analogous to those utilized in spacecraft construction, under the influence of reactive atomic oxygen (ATOX). ATOX conditions similar to those found in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) were simulated to assess, quantitatively and qualitatively, the impact of ATOX exposure [1] in mass loss, structural and chemical...
With the recent awareness of the space sector on the fragile near-Earth space region and the forecast of the booming number of satellited objects, various mitigation approaches are currently evaluated and start to be implemented to limit the impact of space activities and achieve a safe and sustainable space environment.
The re-entry of spacecraft into the Earth’s atmosphere can contain...