Published By National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Issued about 9 years ago
Summary
Description
<p style="margin-left:2.15pt;"> With over 100,000,000 particles smaller than 1 cm in low earth orbit, it is critical that shielding will adequately protect from impacts of this size. &nbsp;A 3SLGG is a validated method to accelerate small particles up to 10 km/s.&nbsp; Enabling WSTF to simulate the average LEO velocity of 10 km/s will provide the means to validate ballistic limit equations used to design protective shields. &nbsp;The first phase was accomplished using the 3SLGG code, which provided the optimal beginning geometric and pressure parameters. &nbsp;The next phase will include fabrication of the components, development of procedures, safety/design reviews and build up of the launcher system.</p> <p style="margin-left:2.15pt;"> &nbsp;</p>