Setting the Structural Design Criteria for Space Debris Effects in Cislunar and Outer Space Travel

Although much is known about the space debris environment, there are enough knowledge gaps in this area to cause concern to space vehicle designers. This paper is directed toward evaluating the limits to be set in material selection and structural design so that the existing space debris environment can be tolerated by a space vehicle.

Equations depicting the present state of knowledge are presented, and interpretations of these and other data by various scientists are offered. Particle impact, pitting and erosion, and sputtering and vaporization are discussed, with equations and present-day theories presented for each section.