Post-flight analyses of impact sites on EuReCa spacecraft and solar cell arrays

Spacecraft in the Low Earth Orbit receive hypervelocity impacts by both natural particulates and artificial debris. Through their post-flight analyses after space shuttle retrievals, micro-craters on surfaces of long exposed free flyers provide in-situ measurement of dust flux and significant clues for orbital parameters and composition of impactors. This paper concentrates on the review of current efforts for such dust impact measurements from the European Retrievable Carrier (EuReCa) and solar cell arrays of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). The space impact measurement technique is complementary with other dust collection methods in the terrestrial environment and their advantage and limitations are discussed. Future flight opportunities are identified and technical improvements are also suggested.