The meteoroid hazard for space navigation

TL;DR

This paper reviews recent analyses of meteoroid impacts on satellites, highlighting the risks of structural damage and electromagnetic interference caused by impact-generated plasma, which threaten space navigation and satellite longevity.

Contribution

It provides an updated assessment of meteoroid hazards for space navigation, emphasizing the impact of plasma effects on satellite electronics and structural integrity.

Findings

High meteoroid fluxes can weaken satellite structures.

Impact-generated plasma causes electromagnetic interference.

Catastrophic impacts are rare but still pose risks.

Abstract

Thanks to post-flight analyses of several artificial satellites carried out during last years, the meteoroids hazard for space navigation and in-orbit satellites permanence is now clear. Even if catastrophic impact is a rare event, high meteoroids fluxes can erode and weaken the satellite or space station main structures. However, the main danger seems to be the impact-generated plasma, which can produce electromagnetic interferences, disturbing the on-board electronics.