Nanorocks is a 1.5U Nanorack payload that flew to the ISS on Space-X 4 in early 2014. The experiment chamber consists of 8 sample cells containing different populations of mm-scale particles. The samples are periodically agitated to induce low-velocity collisions which are recorded on video. This experiment studies the dependence of coefficient of restitution on collision speed and on particle properties (density, size, and structure). The results are directly applicable to the collisional evolution of planetary rings.
Josh Colwell and Julie Brisset discussed the results of NanoRocks at previous Division of Planetary Science Meetings.
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The experiment flight is provided by Space Florida and NanoRacks, and was selected as one of 8 winners in an international competition.
