Low-velocity projectile impacts on solar arrays

We have proposed optical sensors using a high-resolution camera to scan solar arrays for signs of impacts. We are aiming to mount the sensors on geosynchronous spacecrafts to survey small debris population in the geosynchronous region. Size of the sign can be related with the size of the particle by performing ground-calibration tests. So many ground-calibration tests have been performed at hypervelocity range for analyzing surfaces or spacecraft exposed to the space environment after return to the Earth. Most impacts on geosynchronous spacecraft would be low-velocity impacts, however. Therefore, we needed to conduct experiments to know the characteristics of low-velocity impacts. We used solar cells as targets. In this congress, we will show the characteristics of craters created by low-velocity impacts.