Abstract Orbital debris with dimensions between 1 and 10 cm is an increasing threat to the Space Station Freedom. A possible solution is to track the debris with a station-based radar and passive IR sensors. Studies at JSC have shown that the approach window of the debris is relatively narrow, ± 10° in elevation and ± (30° to 90°) in azimuth. Preliminary JSC studies suggest that angle and range accuracies of 10−4 radians and 6 m are required for trajectory determination. Design considerations for minimizing the costs of a microwave array antenna are discussed. A proposed ground-based radar/antenna experiment for tracking small particles with high angular rates is described.


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    Title :

    A space station-based orbital debris tracking system


    Contributors:
    Arndt, G.D. (author) / Fink, P. (author) / Warren, W.B. (author)

    Published in:

    Publication date :

    1993-01-01


    Size :

    4 pages




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English



    Orbital debris environment projections for Space Station

    Reynolds, R. C. / Kessler, D. J. / European Space Agency | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1993