One of the main functions of the Hypervelocity Impact Technology Facility is the development of advanced shielding concepts to protect spacecraft on orbit. Much of our shield development activities have been in support of the International Space Station (ISS), which will be covered with meteoroid and orbital debris shields.

The HITF has been responsible for developing many of the advanced shielding concepts that will be used on the ISS. The goal is always to develop a shield that is effective, while being lightweight. Spacecraft shield designers must work carefully to produce shielding solutions which are within the allocated mass, volume, and cost budgets of the spacecraft.