DEVICE FOR PROTECTION SPACECRAFT FROM METEORITE PARTICLES Russian patent published in 2013 - IPC B64G1/56 

FIELD: transport.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to protection of spacecraft against outer flows of high-speed particles. Proposed device comprises barrier composed of metal protective shield 1, insulation layers 2 and metal substrate 3. Power supply 4 is connected to substrate 3 and shield 1. Aforesaid barrier is spaced from craft body 6. Note here dielectric shield 5 is arranged on said body with conducting layer 7 applied thereon. Power supply 8 is connected to substrate 3 and layer 7. Dielectric jumpers are arranged between substrate 3 and layer 7 to divide said components into sections. In collision with craft, meteorite particle penetrates through barrier (1-2-3) to form conglomerate of plasma, fragments of particles, shield and insulation layers. It is this barrier wherein particle starts disintegration due to Joule heat in discharge of source 4. In displacement of said conglomerate toward electrically conducting layer 7, intensity gradient is generated to cause breakdown. Generated electric current terminates the particle destruction. Dielectric jumpers 8 decreased discharge interval.

EFFECT: higher efficiency and safety.

2 dwg