Micrometeorite impact simulation at EMI - a review

Activities at EMI in the field of hypervelocity impact techniques are reported. Optimization experiments have been carried out with a light gas gun in order to achieve projectile velocities up to 10 km/s. Different methods for measuring the projectile velocities have been developed and adapted according to respective velocity and mass ranges of projectiles. Experimental efforts have been undertaken to accelerate also microgram particles in light gas guns. Masses as small as 37 my g can be accelerated as individual particles. As examples, several contributions to recent space projects are described.