AIDA - Advanced impact detector assembly for the on-orbit measurement of small impacting debris particles and meteoroids

A new type of impact detector is presented. It is under development for a small satellite, which is planned to fly on a sun-synchronous 800 km orbit. On this mission the detector AIDA will perform the on-orbit measurement of impacting debris particles and meteoroids. The new detection technique is explained in more detail. The sensitive surfaces of the detector will be covered with very fine conductor pathes, which will be cut by impact holes and impact craters. The detector electronics will regularly check the conductor pathes. The detector is expected to deliver high resolution data about impact size, time, and direction of particles which are larger than 10 micrometer in diameter. The detector design promises high reliability and low power need, and the use of standard techniques and production demands will keep the development risk and the production costs low.