Microsatellite impact tests to investigate the outcome of satellite fragmentations

To predict the future orbital environments, it is necessary to know outcome of the satellite fragmentation. The NASA standard breakup model is designed to describe the outcome of typical satellite fragmentation. This model is an empirical model and the major data sources are the 1980s on-orbit satellite breakup events and the ground-based Satellite Orbit Debris Characterization Impact Test series conducted in early 1990s. The target cubic satellites ranged from 15 to 20 cm in size and about 1000 g in mass. Results from all seven impact tests carried out in 2008 are shown in this paper and compared with the NASA standard breakup model to demonstrate potential improvements of the model in the future.