Survivability analysis of tape-tether against multiple impact with tiny debris

摘要

We show that for a tether at 800 km altitude, which is 5 km long, 2 cm wide and 0.05 mm thick, the risk of substantial damage during a 3 month period due to multiple impacts with debris or micrometeoroids is low, of about 1.4%. By substantial damage we mean that if the tape is divided in 2 cm2 cm squares, then in some square the damaged area byudbombardment with debris or micrometeoroids exceeds 11% ofudthe area of the square. Furthermore, we show that the dangerudposed by the micrometeoroids is negligible compared to the risk posed by the debris.