Vulnerability Analysis of Satellite Under the Impact Hypervelocity Projectile Considering the Formation of Behind-Plate Debris

In response to the challenge of satellite vulnerability to space debris impacts, this study conducts vulnerability research on satellites and proposes a vulnerability assessment method for satellite targets subjected to space debris interactions. Initially, the study divides the damage levels based on the geometric model of the satellite and establishes a fault tree. Subsequently, high-velocity penetration by space debris into the satellite and the behind-plate debris cloud model are developed. The research then employs trajectory tracking to investigate the encounters and damage to satellite components by debris, determining the overall vulnerability of the satellite target based on the fault tree. Finally, using the vulnerability assessment method and in-house vulnerability assessment software, the study computes the satellite’s vulnerability in various orientations under the influence of debris of different masses. The results of the calculations reveal that the satellite’s vulnerability exhibits azimuthal symmetry, with the highest vulnerability on both sides, and the lowest vulnerability in the front and rear. The most vulnerable orientations of the satellite are \(\theta_{{\mathrm{t}}} = - \,30^\circ\) ${\theta }_{\mathrm{t}}=-{30}^{\circ }$ (elevation angle) and \(\varphi_{{\mathrm{t}}} = 0^\circ\) ${\phi }_{\mathrm{t}}=0^{\circ }$ (azimuth angle), with vulnerable areas for A-level and B-level damage measuring 5.731 m² and 6.466 m², respectively. As debris mass increases, the satellite's vulnerability initially rises and then decreases. For debris mass of 4 g, the satellite is most vulnerable, with vulnerable areas for A-level and B-level damage measuring 8.935 m² and 9.85 m², respectively. Debris with mass greater than or equal to 2 g can cause K-level damage to the satellite, while debris with less than 2 g can only result in A-level and B-level damage.