Laser-detonation hyperthermal beam source applicable to VLEO environmental simulations

A more detailed understanding of the role of N2 in very low Earth orbit (VLEO) on atomic oxygen (AO)-induced material erosion is necessary for future development of the sub-LEO region. Accordingly, a laser-detonation source capable of capturing two different beams is developed. A dual-pulsed supersonic valve (dual-PSV) system is designed to form two beams in one nozzle configuration. It is demonstrated that the dual-PSV is capable of forming two atomic beams at individual energies with various composition ratios. This system is successfully applied for a ground-based simulation of the world’s first material erosion experiment in a sub-LEO aboard Super Low Altitude Test Satellite (SLATS).