Characterization of space station multilayer insulation damage due to hypervelocity space debris impact

Four main tasks were accomplished. The first three tasks were related to the goal of measuring the degradation of the insulating capabilities of Space Station multilayer insulation (MLI) due to simulated space debris impacts at hypervelocities. The last task was associated with critically reviewing a Boeing document on the fracture characteristics of the Space Station pressure wall when subjected to a simulated hypervelocity space debris impact. In Task 1, a thermal test procedure for impact damaged MLI specimens was written. In Task 2, damaged MLI specimens were prepared. In Task 3, a computer program was written to simulate MLI thermal tests. In Task 4, the author reviewed a Boeing document describing hypervelocity impact testing on biaxially stressed plates.