Impact Videos
Steel Orbital Debris Impact Test
This test is part of a series of tests to help answer the question:
"If an orbital debris particle hits a solar array or radiator panel,
what is the size of the largest remaining fragment that comes out the
other side of the panel/array?" The answer to this question can help
estimate the amount of damage that the fragment will do if it then hits
another part of the spacecraft. This test series is different from earlier
tests in that it focuses on the damaging effects of steel orbital debris.
Projectile Information
Material | Steel |
Shape | Spherical |
Diameter | 0.07 inches | Mass | 0.02 grams |
Velocity | 15,200 miles per hour |
Impact Angle | 0 degrees |
Testing Aftermath
The test article shows numerous craters in the rear wall. This damage
pattern is the type that occurs following an orbital debris particle
passing through a thin structure such as a solar array or radiator panel.
Oblique view of test article showing entry hole on
"bumper shield" (right) and craters in rear wall (left).