Baptiste Reynier unlocks the key to protecting satellites from space debris

Baptiste Reynier, a researcher at the National Polytechnic Institute of Brittany, has developed solutions to protect satellites from space debris by measuring impacts at speeds of up to 7 km/s. His thesis, defended in 2025, proposes innovative approaches to enhance the safety of space structures against increasing threats.

Research on space debris has become crucial, with over 34,000 objects larger than 10 cm in orbit. Baptiste Reynier, within the IRDL, is tackling this issue by studying the mechanisms of material ejection during hypervelocity impacts, highlighting the risks to satellites, particularly the irreparable damage to solar panels.

Reynier used lasers with a maximum energy of 80 J to simulate impacts, measuring debris ejection speeds reaching several hundred meters per second. These results demonstrate that even minimal impacts can compromise the integrity of satellites, underscoring the urgency to improve protection technologies.

The implications of this research are strategic for the development of satellite protection technologies. Decision-makers must consider these results to invest in innovative solutions, responding to a growing demand in the space technology market, while also addressing regulatory and technical challenges.

« « During my simulations, I observed debris ejection speeds reaching several hundred meters per second, which poses a significant risk to satellites. » »

« « The work of Baptiste Reynier paves the way for crucial advancements in satellite protection, a major issue for space security and access to knowledge. » »