Alternative MMOD Shielding Concepts

Abstract

A core objective of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Johnson Space Center (JSC) Hypervelocity Impact Technology (HVIT) group is to improve spacecraft meteoroid and orbital debris (MMOD) shielding by evaluating new materials and shielding concepts by test and analysis. This paper describes hypervelocity impact tests that were performed over several years to evaluate alternative MMOD shielding concepts. Specific objectives of the work were to incorporate improved MMOD and radiation protection within Stuffed Whipple shields, and to evaluate various self-sealing MMOD shielding concepts. The tests were performed under similar impact conditions and with fixed shield standoff and comparable overall shield mass. Damage to the rear wall was quantified and compared to determine the best performing shield concepts. Generally, the best shielding for both MMOD and radiation protection included polymer materials rich in hydrogen introduced into the intermediate and final layers of the shielding. In the self-sealing material evaluations, the test objective was to gauge the ability of different materials and techniques to stop leaks in a rear wall with a delta-pressure across the wall typical of spacecraft crew cabins (i.e., up to 1 atmosphere pressure). Shielding containing ionomer films and elastomer materials satisfied this objective for pressure shell holes up to 6mm diameter. This paper provides results of the investigations.