Projected threat of the space-debris environment to selected DoD space systems

Al Reinhardt; Ken W. Yates

doi:10.1117/12.156554

15 September 1993 Projected threat of the space-debris environment to selected DoD space systems

Al Reinhardt, Ken W. Yates

Proceedings Volume 1951, Space Debris Detection and Mitigation; (1993) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.156554
Event: Optical Engineering and Photonics in Aerospace Sensing, 1993, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

Modeling of the space debris environment is critical to providing spacecraft designers with projections of the environment over the planned lifetime of a system. Understanding how the debris environment is projected to change over time allows spacecraft designers and managers the ability to implement responsive design mitigation measures into their systems. This paper develops a strategy for assessing the projected threat of the space debris environment for particular space systems. First, a historical simulation of the debris environment is made using available empirical models. For the system under study, the planned operational loss rates are also identified based on mission operational requirements and projected launch mission models. Generally, the system designers will plan to replace components at a matching rate to maintain required system performance. A threshold debris growth factor is then identified giving the percentage increase over the current historical environment that will produce a debris collision rate equal the planned spacecraft loss rate at identified from the mission operational requirements. Using this approach, the overall threat of the projected debris environment for particular space systems is couched in terms spacecraft managers can appreciate, that of replacements required over a given period of time.

Citation Download Citation

Al Reinhardt and Ken W. Yates "Projected threat of the space-debris environment to selected DoD space systems", Proc. SPIE 1951, Space Debris Detection and Mitigation, (15 September 1993); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.156554

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available