Discharge On Solar Array Coupon By Debris Impact

Recently, a risk of impact between spacecraft and debris is increasing. An impact on solar arrays can cause electrical damage such as sustained arc as well as mechanical damage. If sustained arc occurs, electricity does not flow to the payload and the power generation capacity is reduced. In this study, discharge due to debris impact is reproduced by hypervelocity impact test, and plasma and discharge currents are measured. As a result, high density plasma and discharge due to impact were confirmed. Moreover, it became clear that some difference appears in the discharge current waveform depending on the impact point.