High-Speed Spectrometer System for Hypervelocity Impact Research

The Impact Facility at the University of Kent seeks to procure a High-Speed Spectrometer System designed for integration with a two-stage light gas gun. This equipment will support the PROSPER project, an European Research Council Consolidator Grant led by Dr Penelope Wozniakiewicz, which investigates space debris mitigation and impact phenomena. The Impact Facility has operated for over 30 years conducting laboratory-based hypervelocity impact simulations relevant to spacecraft protection and planetary science applications. The facility regularly publishes in leading science and technology journals and presents at major national and international conferences. The spectrometer will enable the research team to: • Develop advanced detection capabilities for characterizing small-scale space debris • Investigate how debris morphology influences spacecraft damage patterns and ejecta generation • Assess atmospheric re-entry effects and risks associated with satellite deorbiting operations Suppliers should note this is a specialized scientific instrument for impact testing environments with high-velocity projectile scenarios. The system must integrate seamlessly with existing light gas gun infrastructure and provide real-time spectroscopic analysis capabilities.