Date of Defense

4-21-2026

Date of Graduation

5-2026

Department

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

First Advisor

Bade Shrestha

Second Advisor

Thomas Heine

Abstract

Space debris has become a critical threat to orbital operations, with over 30,000 tracked objects currently circling Earth. Traditional separation charges used in satellite launches contribute significantly to this problem by generating unpredictable shrapnel that can remain in orbit for decades or centuries. This project proposes the design and development of a spacedegradable explosive bolt that exploits the harsh space environment to accelerate material breakdown after use.

The design utilizes advanced polymer materials selected for their susceptibility to degradation from UV radiation — an environmental factor abundant in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Our prototype will be engineered to meet industry-standard mechanical requirements (180-220 ksi tensile strength, < 10 ms separation time) while ensuring predictable fragmentation and rapid postmission degradation. The project includes comprehensive modeling of material decay rates under 395 nm radiation, mechanical stress analysis, and development of scaling programs for different mission requirements.

By reducing the persistence of separation charge debris, this innovation addresses a critical need in sustainable space operations and helps mitigate the risk of Kessler Syndrome—a cascading collision scenario that could render certain orbital altitudes unusable for generations.

Comments

Co-authored with:

Garrison York

Markus Vanderzwaag

Access Setting

Honors Thesis-Open Access

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