Analysis of Sub-Millimeter Fragments Generated by the Hypervelocity Impact of a Picosatellite Mock-up

This thesis presents the analysis of fragments down to 1 mm generated by hypervelocity impacts on a picosatellite mock-up. The study extends previous experiments performed at the University of Padova by focusing on the smallest debris, collected and characterized through high-resolution imaging. Size and shape distributions are compared with existing experimental data and the NASA Standard Breakup Model. The results improve the understanding of nanosatellite fragmentation and support future refinements of debris environment models.