MDD3-EMI's Upcoming Meteoroid and Space Debris Detector Experiment Onboard Russian Spektr-R Satellite

The Ernst-Mach-Institut (EMI) is currently developing its next meteoroid and space debris detector experiment, referred to as MDD3, which will be integrated onboard the Russian Spektr-R satellite. Taking this flight opportunity supported by the German Aerospace Center, MDD3 will be operated in a highly elliptical orbit, allowing for in-situ measurements of impact events in various Earth orbit particle environments. The detector system is equipped with several sensors, thus contributing to both the on-orbit verification of a robust impact detection system and the enhancement of knowledge about micrometeoroid and space debris populations. This paper addresses scientific and technical aspects of the MDD3 mission in a general overview. The status of MDD3 implementation, as well as facts on the Spektr-R mission and orbit environment are outlined for background information.