Comparisons between orbital debris measurement data and modeling results: difficulties and special features

Anette Bade; Robert C. Reynolds; Nicholas L. Johnson; Peter Eichler; Mark Matney

doi:10.1117/12.293339

1 October 1997 Comparisons between orbital debris measurement data and modeling results: difficulties and special features

Anette Bade, Robert C. Reynolds, Nicholas L. Johnson, Peter Eichler, Mark Matney

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 3116, Small Spacecraft, Space Environments, and Instrumentation Technologies; (1997) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.293339
Event: Optical Science, Engineering and Instrumentation '97, 1997, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

Although a variety of orbital debris measurement data is available, all these data together do not characterize the orbital debris and meteoroid environment in a way that allows the direct estimation of potential hazards for active and planned space missions. This can only be done by modeling. The measurement data can be used for the evaluation of modeling results and for the calibration of the models themselves. In this paper it is shown how two-line element sets (TLE), radar cross-section data (RCS) and satellite catalog data are compared to current NASA breakup model results. It is shown that neither the assumption of a fixed lower trackable size threshold nor of completeness of the satellite catalog above a certain size are adequate for comparison purposes. A solution for this problem, i.e., a better way to handle the data, is presented. Furthermore a realistic picture of the growth and evolution of the total population in orbit is given.

Citation Download Citation

Anette Bade, Robert C. Reynolds, Nicholas L. Johnson, Peter Eichler, and Mark Matney "Comparisons between orbital debris measurement data and modeling results: difficulties and special features", Proc. SPIE 3116, Small Spacecraft, Space Environments, and Instrumentation Technologies, (1 October 1997); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.293339

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