The STK SEET Particle Flux capability estimates the total mass distribution of meteor and orbital debris particles that impact a satellite, missile, or launch vehicle along its orbit during a specified time period. It can also compute the mass distribution of these particles above a user-specified satellite surface damage threshold. The Particle Impacts capability is comprised of the Meteor Environment model and the Debris Environment model.
The Debris Environment model is based on the empirically-derived equations by Kessler (1989) that calculate the amount of the small orbital debris particle flux at a given time as a function of particle size, average satellite altitude, orbital inclination, and recent solar activity, using an average impact velocity profile as a function of orbital inclination, based on many years of general debris observations (both space and earth-based), to produce yearly-averaged debris particle flux values. The Debris Environment model calculations only apply for spacecraft for which the average altitude is between 300 and 2250 km.
The Meteor Environment model is based on a database of parameterized annual meteor showers derived from a table of ten years of visual observations in both hemispheres (Jenniskens, 1994), and algorithms translate the visual meteor shower observation rates into corresponding mass-dependent flux rates. The database and algorithms are combined to produce a time-dependent anisotropic meteor particle influx model. This environment model may be supplemented with a background flux due to “sporadic meteors” (cosmic dust) using a commonly-used particle mass distribution profile. (Rendtel et al., eds., 1995).
Given the debris and/or meteor flux environment is defined by these models, the algorithms from McDonnell and Sullivan (1991) can be used to determine the amount of the particle flux that would be capable of causing damage to a user-specified satellite surface.
For additional background information, consult: SEET: Space Environment and Effects Tool for STK (PDF).
Options for STK SEET Particle Flux Model
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| F10.7 Source | Options:
F10.7 is a 13-month average of a common proxy index indicating the amount of solar energy affecting the Earth’s atmosphere. |
| Cross-Sectional Area | Assumed cross-sectional area sweeping out the particle flux. |
| Pit Depth |
For particle flux calculations, consider only those meteors that would impact the specified material area to at least this minimum pit depth damage threshold (mm). |
| Material |
Select a material specimen from a pre-defined list, or select the "User Defined" option to specify material Density and Tensile Strength. |
| Use Sporadic Meteors |
Include the contribution of background meteors that are not associated with any particular meteor shower or source direction. |
Jenniskens, P., Meteor stream activity: I. The Annual Streams, Astronomy and Astrophysics, 287, 990-1013 (1994).
Kessler, D. J., Watts, A. J., Crowell, J. (1989), “Orbital Debris Environment for Spacecraft Designed to Operate in Low Earth Orbit”, NASA TM-100-471.
McDonnell, J.A.M., K. Sullivan (1992), “Hypervelocity Impacts on Space Detectors: Decoding the Projectile Parameters”. In Hypervelocity Impacts in Space, ed. J.A.M. McDonnell (Canterbury: University of Kent), pp 39-47.
Rendtel, J., R. Arlt, A. McBeath (eds., 1995). Handbook for Visual Meteor Observers. The International Meteor Organization, Potsdam, Germany.