Genetic algorithms can be used for the evolutionary design of satellites to make them more resistant to space-debris damage, say researchers.
The algorithms would drive the choice of spacecraft structure and the internal location of subsystems.
Researchers used a special analysis software tool, called Shield, and found that optimal designs for protection could be achieved without undermining a spacecraft’s mass balance.
Mass balance is important to ensure a spacecraft responds properly to the use of thrusters for attitude control.
“Shielding as well as the internal layout can also help to cope with debris impact,” says the University of Southampton’s school of engineering sciences, aeronautics and astronautics department researcher Graham Swinerd.
Using the evolutionary method researchers found that there was a rapid increase in survivability in the first 500 generations of spacecraft, but after that the rate of improvements diminished.
The baseline spacecraft design was a 4.2t (9,240lb) meteorological satellite intended to operate in an orbit up to 850km (460 miles).
Source: Flight International