Collisions in earth orbital space between operational payloads and various forms of space debris (nonoperational payloads, nonfunctional mission-related objects and fragments resulting from collisions and explosions) are discussed and possible means of avoiding them are considered. From 10,000 to 15,000 objects are estimated to be in earth orbital space, most of which represent spacecraft fragments and debris too small to be detected and tracked by earth-based sensors, and it is considered likely that some of them will be or have already been involved in direct collisions with the ever increasing number of operational satellites and space stations. Means of protecting proposed large space structures and smaller spacecraft from significant damage by larger space objects, particularly in the 400-4000 km altitude range where most debris occurs, include structural redundancy and the double shielding of sensitive components. Other means of collision avoidance are the collection or relocation of satellites, rocket bodies and other objects by the Space Shuttle, the prevention of explosions and the disposal of spent rocket parts by reentry. Finally, a management structure would be required to administer guidelines for the prevention and elimination of space debris.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Collision avoidance in space


    Contributors:

    Published in:

    Publication date :

    1980-06-01


    Type of media :

    Miscellaneous


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




    COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM, COLLISION AVOIDANCE METHOD, AND COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROGRAM

    HIRAMOTO KAZUKI | European Patent Office | 2023

    Free access

    Collision avoidance device, collision avoidance method, and collision avoidance program

    CHEN XI / OKAMOTO KAZUYA | European Patent Office | 2024

    Free access

    COLLISION AVOIDANCE DEVICE, COLLISION AVOIDANCE METHOD AND COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROGRAM

    HIRAMOTO KAZUKI | European Patent Office | 2023

    Free access