Satellite breakup behaviors and model under the hypervelocity impact and explosion: A review

Abstract

The primary causes of satellite breakups are hypervelocity impact and explosion, the research on satellite breakup can be used not only to evaluate the influence of breakup event on the space environment, but also to trace whether the satellite has been deliberately attacked. It is of great significance in both civil and military aspects. The study of satellite breakup behaviors and model is reviewed to summarize the research progress and insufficiency in recent decades, including the satellite breakup experiment, measurement and characterization of fragments, distribution characteristics of breakup fragments, satellite breakup model, etc. The classical studies are introduced in detail, and the limitations of the current research are pointed out. According to the current research results, the contemporary challenges and future directions for satellite breakup study are presented. The research on satellite breakup is developing in two directions: the miniaturization of satellite size and the complexity of satellite component. The study on satellite breakup needs to be explored and deepened on improving the experimental launch speed, expanding the model application range and breakup revealing the results under combined effect of impact and explosion.

Keywords

• Satellite breakup
• Space environment
• Distribution characteristics
• Hypervelocity impact
• Explosion