Space traffic hazards from orbital debris mitigation strategies

The paper gives coverage of recent advances in mathematical modeling of long term orbital debris evolution within the frames of continua approach. Under the approach the evolution equations contain a number of source terms responsible for the variations of quantities of different fractions of orbital debris population due to fragmentations and collisions. Mechanisms of hypervelocity collisions of debris fragments with pressurized vessels are investigated. The spacecraft shield honeycomb concept is suggested based on principles of impact energy conversion and redistribution and consumption by destroyable structures. The paper is devoted to the 100th anniversary of the founder of space debris research in Moscow State University Prof. G.A. Tyulin. •A new concept for spacecraft shielding from space debris is suggested.•Effects of energy dissipation in collisions with fluid filled vessels are studied.•Using gas-filled bumpers for impact energy redistribution is studied.