SDS

Launch data: Designation  17080 Launch date - time  15 Dec 2017 - 15:36 UT Launch site  CCK, SLC-40 Launch vehicle  Falcon-9 v1.2 Mission  ISS component: Destination location  ISS/ Attached date   Earth orbit attached on ISS: Perigee / Apogee   km Inclination   ° Period   min

An isometric view of the SDS as ready for installation aboard the ISS and shown integrated with ESA′s Columbus module External Payload Adapter, but without thermal blankets (image credit: NASA)

Spacecraft data:

The ESA Columbus module′s External EPF-SOX location (image credit: NASA)

Description:

• SDS is a calibrated impact sensor mounted on the exterior of the ISS that monitors impacts caused by small-scale space debris for a period of two to three years. The sensor records the time and scale of impacts from relatively small space particles using dual-layer thin films, an acoustic sensor system, a resistive grid sensor system, and a sensored-embedded backstop. Data provided by the Space Debris Sensor improves ISS safety by monitoring the risks and generating more accurate estimates of how much small-scale debris exists in space.
• The SDS is the first flight demonstration of the DRAGONS (Debris Resistive/Acoustic Grid Orbital NASA-Navy Sensor) developed and matured by the NASA Orbital Debris Program Office. The DRAGONS concept combines several technologies to characterize the size, speed, direction, and density of small impacting objects. With a minimum two-year operational lifetime, SDS is anticipated to collect statistically significant information on orbital debris ranging from 50 µm to 500 µm in size

External links:

• eo Portal DirectoryMission overview