Examples of Technology Transfer from the SDIO Kinetic Energy Weapon Lethality Program to Orbital Debris Modeling

Abstract : The Defense Nuclear Agency (DNA) Kinetic Energy Weapon Lethality and Target Hardening Program (LTH-5) has studied hypervelocity impacts on simple and complex targets for a number of years on behalf of the Strategic Defense Initiative Organization (SDIO). The test parameter space includes projectile masses from 0.1 - 93 grams and velocities ranging from 1 .9 km/s. The work to date includes experimentation and modeling and the resulting data and codes can be made available to the Orbital Debris Spacecraft Breakup Modeling Program through technology transfer. This will reduce duplication, conserve scarce R&D funds, and provide a head start to orbital debris breakup modeling efforts. This paper highlights results from those LTH-5 activities which will be of most interest to those involved with orbital debris generation and the effects of debris on spacecraft. The attached bibliography documents some LTH-5 efforts which are directly applicable to orbital debris breakup modeling.