An In-situ On-orbit impact damage monitoring system for Space Structures

Space-based assets form the backbone of today’s communication, navigation, and defense industries. Satellites can suffer unexpected damage during their lifetimes from impacts with other vehicles, micrometeoroids, and other space debris. On-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (OSAM) can vastly expand the performance, availability, resilience, and lifetime of satellite systems compared to the traditional paradigm. In-situ inspection is however needed to ensure that the satellites structural configuration and any need for repair  can be determined in the event of damage or defect. Structural  inspection can evaluate the state of the satellite and whether the mission is a loss or if the problem can be repaired or worked around. In this project, Acellent Technologies in collaboration with New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology and supported by Lockheed Martin Space Systems proposes to develop “An In-situ On-orbit impact damage monitoring system for Space Structures” for application to SpaceWERX Orbital Prime.  The system will be developed to ensure its application to on-orbit space structures for structural integrity determination.  An innovative approach will be used to detect external impact events while assessing severity of impact damage. The targeted focus areas will be (1) On-Orbit Object Approach: Approach and rendezvous with the Resident Space Object (RSO), to include space debris, etc., using approach and Rendezvous Proximity Operations (RPO) algorithms including Inspection, Sensing, Characterization and Planning for capture and (2) On-Orbit Object Service: Remediate the RSO by repairing, repositioning, refueling, de-orbiting, reusing or recycling, etc.  Phase I will validate the product-market fit between the SHM system solution and the 'Focus Areas' through a feasibility study that includes system development and demonstration of the SHM system for on orbit usage through impact detection.