Date of Award

Summer 2024

Access Type

Thesis - Open Access

Degree Name

Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering

Department

Aerospace Engineering

Committee Chair

David Canales Garcia

Committee Advisor

David Canales Garcia

First Committee Member

Troy Henderson

Second Committee Member

Hao Peng

College Dean

James W. Gregory

Abstract

In the last decades, space missions have followed great advancements due to technological improvements and the extensive research developed in the field. Some of these missions are increasingly focusing on satellites orbiting the Moon. The Cislunar region is known to have a higher non-linear chaotic component in the dynamics compared to the low-Earth environment. This research is focused on studying the impact that a satellite explosion has in the Cislunar vicinity. The study is conducted for different periodic orbits that are key destinations for Cislunar traffic. By varying the initial conditions, simulations of explosions at different locations of the orbits are carried out and the debris propagation is analyzed. This research emphasizes the creation of a robust debris propagation scheme and the development of comprehensive databases to address the high computational costs associated with debris propagation. The goal of these simulations is to identify locations in the region where it would be more dangerous for an explosion to occur. Furthermore, it is possible to evaluate the potential hazard that the debris would entail to other satellites within the system. The understanding of these impacts will enhance safety measures, considering the risks and dangers associated with this environment and forecasting future needs and policies.

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