Ricerc@Sapienza

In recent years, the emphasis in space research has been focused on both exploration and commercialization of space. In order to use space for these purposes it is mandatory to guarantee the compliance with the low earth orbit (LEO) space environment that degrades the performances and functionality of materials with phenomena such as atomic oxygen (AO), ultraviolet (UV) radiation, plasma, micrometeoroids and debris, as well as severe temperature cycles. In this frame the study of Outgassing properties of space materials is of primary importance.

Aim of the work is to present a method to evaluate the electromagnetic absorption properties of spacecraft and space debris. For these objects, the radar detection ability depends mainly on volume, shape, materials type and other electromagnetic reflecting behaviour of spacecraft surface components, such as antennas or thermal blankets, and of metallic components in space debris. The higher the electromagnetic reflection coefficient of such parts, the greater the radar detection possibility.