Impacts on Explorer 46 from an Earth orbiting population
Abstract
Explorer 46 was launched into Earth orbit in August 1972 to evaluate the effectiveness of using double-wall structures to protect against meteoroids. The data from the Meteoroid Bumper Experiment on Explorer 46 is reexamined and it is concluded that most of the impacts originated from an Earth orbiting population. The probable source of this orbiting population is solid rocket motors fired in Earth orbit.
- Publication:
-
In its Orbital Debris p 220-232 (SEE N85-21188 12-12
- Pub Date:
- March 1985
- Bibcode:
- 1985orde.rept..220K
- Keywords:
-
- Explorer 46 Satellite;
- Impact;
- Micrometeoroids;
- Space Debris;
- Aluminum Oxides;
- Meteoroid Protection;
- Rocket Exhaust;
- Solid Propellant Rocket Engines;
- Spacecraft Shielding;
- Launch Vehicles and Space Vehicles