Assessment of the effects of space debris and meteoroids environment on the space station solar array assembly

Abstract

The methodology used to assess the probability of no impact of space debris and meteoroids on a spacecraft structure is applied to the space station solar cell array assembly. Starting with space debris and meteoroid flux models, the: (i) projected surface area of the solar cell string circuit of the solar array panel and the mast longeron; (ii) the design lifetime; and (iii) the probability of no impact on the solar mast and solar cell string circuits are determined as a function of particle size. The probability of no impact on the cell string circuits is used to derive the probability of no open-circuit panel. The probability of meeting a certain power requirement at the end of the design lifetime is then calculated as a function of impacting particle size. Coupled with a penetration and damage model correlation that relates the particle size to penetration depth and damage, the results of this analysis can be used to determine the probability of meeting the power requirements, given a degree of redundancy.<>