Nieder, Raymond L. | Search NASA

NASA NTRS1990

Space Station meteoroid and debris design requirements

General concepts and design requirements for the protection of Space Station Freedom against damage from meteoroids and orbital debris are reviewed. In particular, attention is given to the current approach to spacecraft protection from the meteoroid environment, derived from probability-based requirements. Alternative approaches are considered, which include a refined probability approach, an area ratio approach, and a particle matrix approach. The original approach and the new approaches are then compared in terms of design flexibility and programmatic maintenance considerations.

Gehan, James T.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Implication of orbital debris for Space Station design

A large increase in the debris environment combined with the existing space station program requirements results in larger design debris particle sizes being used for designing the Space Station meteoroid and debris protection system. Equipment affecting survivability of the Space Station and its crew is identified and the amount of protection needed is assessed. A combination of passive shielding and active techniques is considered along with the requirements for developing easily augmentable shielding and the use of new shielding materials to reduce launch weight and volume. In addition to passive protection development, collision avoidance procedures moving the station out of the path of very large debris particles must be developed. Innovative solutions, including on-orbit debris detection and tracking devices, active debris interceptors, and 'storm cellars' are addressed.

Nieder, Raymond L.↗