Re-Entry Analyses and Ground Footprint Determination of Generic Satellites using DRAMA and Python

Kurzfassung

Within the scope of a contract for Bayern Chemie GmbH (BC), a study about the post mission disposal and re-entry of an arbitrary spacecraft (S/C) was performed. This study investigated, which velocity increments ΔV are required in order to de-orbit a generic S/C from a given initial orbit and to what extend the applied velocity increment influences the scatter of fragments of this S/C on Earth’s surface. Additionally, the influence of inaccuracies during the de-orbit burn (in ΔV, initial altitude and ignition time) and in modelling the break-up behavior of the S/C were investigated. The study aimed at developing a fundamental understanding on re-entry mechanics and on the size and shape of the resulting re-entry area(s) (REA). It was found, that higher ΔVs lead to a smaller REAs and thus compactify the ground footprint of a S/C, but also cause a higher number of fragments to impact on Earth’s surface (instead of dissipating sufficient energy to become uncritical). It was also recognized, that the higher the initial orbit of a S/C, the smaller its corresponding REA becomes – accommodated however by a larger number of fragments reaching Earth’s surface. Furthermore, a concluding Monte-Carlo analysis showed that high initial orbits are especially sensitive towards inaccuracies regarding the de-orbit maneuver.