What is ISO 23020 about?
ISO 23020 discusses simulated tests for space bodies during Earth re-entry. Space bodies endure high aerothermodynamic fluxes, shear stresses, and pressure upon Earth re-entry. This can create fragments, which may result in casualties, damage to property, or environmental pollution.
ISO 23020 specifies tests to determine whether the design and manufacture of space bodies adheres to new standards for minimizing these fragments. These elementary thermal tests are conducted to obtain thermal properties of materials and composite materials used to manufacture space bodies. This supports fragmentation and survivability analysis.
Note: ISO 23020 does not apply to spacecraft containing nuclear power sources.
Note: Mechanical ablation is not addressed in this document even if it exists
Who is ISO 23020 for?
ISO 23020 on space system is applicable to:
- Manufacturers of space bodies
- Aerospace and defence industries
- Testing agencies involved in space systems
- Regulatory authorities
- Spacecraft manufacturers
- Space engineers
Why should you use ISO 23020?
Space bodies are submitted to high aero-thermodynamic fluxes, pressures and shear stresses that lead to their disintegration into fragments that can potentially reach ground after a re-entry.
Following guidelines used in ISO 23020 helps you to test for fragmentation and survivability of different materials. For both fragmentation and survivability, suitable thermal response models need a range of material properties for a full characterization of material response. The range of materials include metals, organic and ceramics, and composite materials.
ISO 23020 walks you through the methodology for material characterization. In addition to elementary tests, technological tests are discussed in ISO 23020. Elementary tests to determine material properties include tests for density at room temperature, heat capacity across temperatures, and melting range, among others.
Elementary and technological tests help space engineers to design space bodies that prevent structural damage upon re-entry. Tests elaborated in ISO 23020 help designers and manufacturers to comply with new regulations
