Characterization of in-orbit catastrophic fragmentations

Since the dawn of space exploration, near-Earth space has progressively become more populated with man-made inactive objects, including fragments. These objects, collectively referred to as space debris, can range from small particles to large structures, presenting a significant challenge to the safety of future space missions. A single breakup event alone can lead to a substantial increase in the number of fragments within Earth's orbit, consequently elevating the risk of collisions between space debris and operational satellites. This thesis delves into the phenomenon of in-orbit catastrophic fragmentations, conducting a comprehensive analysis of existing models and providing a definition of "catastrophic breakup" based on observed historical data. It also explores failure modes that could be included in the given definition, with a specific focus on their impact on the space debris environment. Following this, a case study is carried out to assess the probability of a catastrophic breakup occurring under the defined thresholds, while also examining potential mitigation strategies. This research aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the space debris environment, offering fresh perspectives on how to address this intricate challenge within the field of aerospace engineering.