Cesar Carrasquilla, University of Florida; Matthew Biles, University of Florida; Norman Fitz-Coy, University of Florida
Keywords: debrisat, 3D imager, measurement error
Abstract:
DebriSat is a collaborative effort between NASA, The Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC), the Aerospace Corporation and the University of Florida aimed at updating the satellite breakup model by conducting a catastrophic collision using a 56 kg representative satellite constructed with modern techniques and materials. The project involves the collection of the resulting debris, termed fragments, and their characterization based on physical properties such as shape and material, and size measurements which include dimensional lengths, characteristic length, average cross-sectional area, volume, density, and area to mass ratio. A specialized imaging system, referred to as the 3D Imager, was developed for the purpose of producing these size measurements. The system produces 3D models of the fragments and has been employed to characterize over 3,000 debris pieces with at least one physical dimension larger than 3 mm.
Previous estimations of volume error were obtained using a limited selection of well-defined calibration objects. Under ideal conditions, the error distribution would remain consistent across different fragment shapes. However, the algorithm generating the 3D geometry introduces a systematic bias in volume computation. Given that the calibration objects do not accurately represent the physical characteristics of the fragments in the dataset, it becomes necessary to accurately characterize these errors. In this study, we provide an overview of the identified sources of error within the system and leverage the known densities of the materials for aluminum and stainless-steel fragments to provide a more accurate characterization of the errors in volume and density measurements produced by the 3D imager system.
Date of Conference: September 17-20, 2024
Track: Space Debris