Space Debris Simulation Facilities and High Speed Diagnostic Methods

Modern acceleration equipment is used to simulate orbital debris interaction with space vehicle components. Relative debris velocities range up to 15 km/s. Depending on projectile masses different acceleration methods are applied to study hypervelocity impact damage phenomena. Special high speed recording equipment is used to get photos and cinematographic records of transient processes occurring during hypervelocity impact. Such techniques and methods have been applied within ESA's COLUMBUS MDPS Program (Meteroid/Debris Protection Study). Some new results are presented.