Abstract This paper addresses the physical crowding problem of geosynchronous satellites by summarizing two independent analyses. The first analysis included developing a new technique for predicting the expected time between collisions of active geosynchronous satellites with expired geosynchronous satellites. The unique feature of this new technique is that deterministic methods are used to model the motion of satellites and statistical techniques are employed to estimate collision probability. This allows realistic distributions of active and expired satellites to be used in the prediction process. The results of this new technique compare very closely to the results of previously used techniques. The second analysis addresses disposal options for spent upper stages (PAM-D, IUS, etc.) that are currently left in stable elliptical orbits. These spent upper stages are a hazard to the geosynchronous region as well as low earth orbits. Two propulsive techniques are presented that will reduce the orbit lifetime of the spent upper stages.
Collision probabilities in geosynchronous orbit and techniques to control the environment
Advances in Space Research ; 6 , 7 ; 119-126
1987-01-01
8 pages
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
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