Human exploration of space is continually expanding, leading to a proportional increase in orbital debris generated by these missions. The presence of such debris poses a significant threat to spacecraft and satellites, carrying potentially exorbitant costs or, in the case of manned spacecraft, fatal consequences. Consequently, the escalating risk of Micrometeoroids and Orbital Debris (MMOD) underscores the critical need for space structures protection. Various shielding methods exist for space structures, including the Whipple Shield (WS) and the Stuffed Whipple Shield (SWS). Recently, researchers have shown a heightened interest in multifunctional panels such as the Foam-Core Sandwich Panel (FCSP). These panels offer a dual advantage by providing both structural integrity and protection against MMOD. However, they fall short in defending space structures from larger projectiles and require an additional layer of protection. Previous research indicates that augmenting external bumper is the most effective method for enhancing the protection level of FCSP. The objective of this thesis is to elevate the protective capabilities of the FCSP by proposing a tool for evaluating alternative designs for the bumper. Initially, two novel metrics, namely the Specific Impulse Metric (SIM) and Maximum-Momentum Fragment (MMF), were introduced to facilitate the comparison of different bumpers. The integration of these metrics into the SIM-to-MMF ratio emerged as a reliable criterion for predicting bumper effectiveness. This criterion was subsequently employed as a method to evaluate the viability of alternative bumper designs. An assessment was conducted on an aluminum bumper coated with Silicon Carbide (SiC) and a multilayer Nextel bumper as a potential substitute for standard shielding solutions.