Deformation of space debris and subsequent changes in orbit during eclipse due to solar and earth radiation fluxes

Both solar radiation pressure (SRP) and Earth radiation pressure (ERP) can dramatically influence the orbit of space debris, particularly objects with a high area-to- mass ratio (HAMR objects). Little work however has investigated how these objects deform when solar radi- ation pressure (SRP) and Earth radiation pressure (ERP) forces are applied. In this work a flexible piece of debris is modeled as a lattice of interconnected particles. Internal and external forces are modeled on a particle by particle basis allowing for complex deformations to occur. The effect of these forces is shown on flat and curved objects and a coupled deformation/attitude model demonstrated.