scholarly journals The Interaction between the LEO Satellite Constellation and the Space Debris Environment

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (20) ◽  
pp. 9490
Author(s):  
Shuyi Ren ◽  
Xiaohua Yang ◽  
Ronglan Wang ◽  
Siqing Liu ◽  
Xiaojing Sun
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Success Rate ◽  
Space Debris ◽  
Low Earth Orbit ◽  
Space Environment ◽  
Risk Level ◽  
Collision Risk ◽  
Orbital Parameters ◽  
Space Objects ◽  
The Impact

The wide application of satellite constellations in the field of space-based global communications and remote sensing has led to a substantial increase in small-satellite launch plans, a sharp increase in the density of space objects in low-Earth orbit (LEO), and a reduction in available orbit and frequency resources. This will further aggravate the trend of deterioration of the space debris environment. Taking the Starlink constellation as an example, this paper describes the influence of the constellation from the environmental debris flux of the satellite, the evaluation of the number of evasion maneuvers, the change of risk level, the success rate of post mission disposal (PMD) and the growth rate of space objects. The simulation results show that the collision risk of the Starlink constellation is related to the orbital parameters, and the higher success rate of post-mission disposal (PMD) can reduce the collision risk of the constellation. The large constellations increases the growth rate of space objects, and even if all the satellites are disposed of after the mission, the impact of constellations on the space environment can not be offset.

scholarly journals The Ad Hoc Back-End of the BIRALET Radar to Measure Slant-Range and Doppler Shift of Resident Space Objects

Electronics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 577
Author(s):  
Luca Schirru ◽  
Tonino Pisanu ◽  
Angelo Podda
Keyword(s):  
Doppler Shift ◽  
Space Debris ◽  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Low Earth Orbit ◽  
Slant Range ◽  
Radar Systems ◽  
The Earth ◽  
Space Objects ◽  
Resident Space Objects ◽  
Potential Issue

Space debris is a term for all human-made objects orbiting the Earth or reentering the atmosphere. The population of space debris is continuously growing and it represents a potential issue for active satellites and spacecraft. New collisions and fragmentation could exponentially increase the amount of debris and so the level of risk represented by these objects. The principal technique used for the debris monitoring, in the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) between 200 km and 2000 km of altitude, is based on radar systems. The BIRALET system represents one of the main Italian radars involved in resident space objects observations. It is a bi-static radar, which operates in the P-band at 410–415 MHz, that uses the Sardinia Radio Telescope as receiver. In this paper, a detailed description of the new ad hoc back-end developed for the BIRALET radar, with the aim to perform slant-range and Doppler shift measurements, is presented. The new system was successfully tested in several validation measurement campaigns, the results of which are reported and discussed.

Debris/Micrometeoroid Impacts and Synergistic Effects on Spacecraft Materials

MRS Bulletin ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Grossman ◽  
I. Gouzman ◽  
R. Verker
Keyword(s):  
Space Debris ◽  
Synergistic Effects ◽  
Degradation Mechanism ◽  
Space Environment ◽  
Materials Properties ◽  
Gas Gun ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
Space Activity ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Debris Impact

AbstractIn the last 40 years, the increased space activity created a new form of space environment of hypervelocity objects—space debris—that have no functional use. The space debris, together with naturally occurring ultrahigh velocity meteoroids, presents a significant hazard to spacecraft. Collision with space debris or meteoroids might result in disfunction of external units such as solar cells, affecting materials properties, contaminating optical devices, or destroying satellites. The collision normally results in the formation of additional debris, increasing the hazard for future missions. The hypervelocity debris effect is studied by retrieving materials from space or by using ground simulation facilities. Simulation facilities, which include the light gas gun and Laser Driven Flyer methods, are used for studying the materials degradation due to debris impact. The impact effect could be accelerated when occurring simultaneously with other space environment components, such as atomic oxygen, ultraviolet, or x-ray radiation. Understanding the degradation mechanism might help in developing materials that will withstand the increasing hazard from the space debris, allowing for longer space missions. The large increase in space debris population and the associated risk to space activity requires significant measures to mitigate this hazard. Most current efforts are being devoted to prevention of collisions by keeping track of the larger debris and avoiding formation of new debris.

scholarly journals Modern radar techniques and the hazard of meteoroids to space platforms

1998 ◽  
Vol 41 (5-6) ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Cevolani
Keyword(s):  
Parent Body ◽  
Low Earth Orbit ◽  
Space Environment ◽  
Meteoroid Streams ◽  
Storm Activity ◽  
Plasma Generation ◽  
Near Earth Space ◽  
Space Objects ◽  
Very High ◽  
Perihelion Passage

Modern radar techniques, and in particular ground based radars, are a powerful tool to observe space objects (natural meteoroids and artificial space debris) on account of their all-weather and day-and-night performance. Natural meteoroids are an important component of the near-Earth space environment and represent a potential risk for all Earth-orbiting space platforms, which could significantly increase in coincidence of enhanced (outburst or storm) activity of meteoroid streams. A review of the currently active meteoroid streams suggests that a few streams have shown a quasi-periodic outburst activity in the two last centuries and may even undergo a storm activity in the next few years. The Leonids, the most intense of meteor showers, present a potentially serious damage to spacecraft in November of 1998 and 1999, after the perihelion passage of the parent body. Impact probability values of storm meteoroids on space platforms in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) were calculated using the data recorded during systematic observational campaigns carried out by the FS radar facility Bologna-Lecce in Italy. Meteoroid flux predictions and directionality, and investigation on impact parameters at very high velocities (up to 71 km/s) for penetration, charge production and plasma generation, are relevant aspects to develop strategies for safe deployment of the near Earrth-orbiting space platforms.

scholarly journals Aerogels Materials as Space Debris Collectors

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thierry Woignier ◽  
Laurent Duffours ◽  
Pascale Colombel ◽  
Christian Durin
Keyword(s):  
Space Debris ◽  
Silica Aerogels ◽  
Low Earth Orbit ◽  
Base Catalysis ◽  
Space Environment ◽  
Internal Stresses ◽  
Material Degradation ◽  
Synthesis Parameters ◽  
First Results ◽  
Key Parameter

Material degradation due to the specific space environment becomes a key parameter for space missions. The use of large surface of brittle materials on satellites can produce, if impacted by hypervelocity particles, ejected volumes of mater 100 times higher than the impacting one. The presented work is devoted to the use of silica aerogels as passive detectors. Aerogels have been exposed to the low earth orbit of the ISS for 18 months. The study describes the aerogels process and the choice of synthesis parameters in such a way to get expected features in terms of porosity, mechanical properties, internal stresses, and transparency. Low-density aerogels (0.09 g·cm−3) have been prepared. The control of transparency necessary to see and identify particles and fragments collected is obtained using a base catalysis during gel synthesis. After return to earth, the aerogels samples have been observed using optical microscopy to detect and quantify craters on the exposed surface. First results obtained on a small part of the aerogels indicate a large number of debris collected in the materials.

scholarly journals OBSERVATIONS OF SPACE DEBRIS IN THE VICINITY OF ORBITS OF GLOBAL NAVIGATION SATELLITE SYSTEMS

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 115-123
Author(s):  
Ivan Korobtsev ◽  
Tatyana Tsukker ◽  
Marina Mishina ◽  
Vladimir Goryashin ◽  
Maxim Eselevich
Keyword(s):  
Space Debris ◽  
Satellite System ◽  
Global Navigation Satellite Systems ◽  
Optical Measurements ◽  
Navigation Satellite ◽  
Satellite Systems ◽  
Orbital Parameters ◽  
Space Objects ◽  
Global Navigation ◽  
Global Navigation Satellite

The problem of the amount and characteristics of space debris in the vicinity of orbits of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) is of significant interest from the viewpoint of safe operation of these systems. Attempts have repeatedly been made to search for space debris fragments in a given region of orbits, but have not led to cataloging such objects. Only in 2018, eight space objects were discovered which were not related to active or inactive spacecraft or their launch elements. Photometrical and trajectory observations with optical telescopes are practically the only source of information about characteristics of such objects. The paper presents a summary of the design features and technical characteristics of the new AZT-33VM telescope. We describe a technique for determining orbital parameters of non-cataloged space debris from optical measurements. We report the results of photometric observations of a space object, detected in the vicinity of orbits of the Global Navigation Satellite System GLONASS.

scholarly journals Space Debris Removal under Spatial Grasp Technology

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 16
Author(s):  
Peter Simon Sapaty
Keyword(s):  
Space Debris ◽  
Low Earth Orbit ◽  
Space Environment ◽  
Satellite Constellations ◽  
Distributed Resources ◽  
Debris Removal ◽  
Combined Solution ◽  
Directed Energy ◽  
Minimum Interaction ◽  
High Level

The threats of space debris are enormously high, which are increasing due to launch of multi-satellite constellations, especially in low-Earth orbit, with millions of pieces of junk there. Different passive and active debris removal methods are being developed like self-deorbiting of used satellites, drag sails, mechanical grasps, tethers and nets, also directed energy, lasers including. Space junk is the responsibility of the whole mankind, and the problem of managing space debris is both the international challenge and the opportunity to preserve the space environment for future space exploration missions. The paper shows how self-organized constellation networks of deorbiting satellites can organize multiple cleaning operations autonomously under the developed Spatial Grasp Technology (SGT), with cooperative involvement of the whole network and minimum interaction with costly ground antennas and stations. It also offers a unique solution where most dangerous junk items can themselves be treated as active virtual-physical items freely moving through terrestrial and celestial environments and ultimately finding, by their own initiative, the proper cleaning satellites. This can effectively organize the global junk management and removal problem, where the active junk items can keep initiative of self-removal for any time needed and using any distributed resources. A combined solution is also offered with initial global search for approximate satellite-debris matching, after which the junk is delegated its own initiative to find the absolute match by traveling around the globe as far and as long as required. The paper shows and explains different practical cleaning scenarios in the high-level Spatial Grasp Language (as key element of SGT) and possibilities of quick implementation of the approach.

Investigation on Sustained Discharge of Satellite’s Power Harness Due to Plasma from Space Debris Impact

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuki Mando ◽  
Koji Tanaka ◽  
Takayuki Hirai ◽  
Shirou Kawakita ◽  
Masumi Higashide ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Space Debris ◽  
Internal Resistance ◽  
Low Earth Orbit ◽  
Hypervelocity Impact ◽  
Space Environment ◽  
Earth Orbit ◽  
Large Area ◽  
Solar Arrays ◽  
Sustained Discharge ◽  
Circuit Configuration

Abstract Space debris travels at a velocity of 7-8 km/s in low Earth orbit (LEO) and at 3 km/s in geostationary Earth orbit (GEO). An impact between space debris and spacecraft will result in tremendous damage. In particular, particles less than 1mm in diameter pose a risk of causing permanent sustained discharge (PSD). PSD may affect a satellite’s power system. The effect on solar arrays has been well-studied given their large area, but the effect on the bundle of a satellite’s wire harness (called the power harness) has yet to be clarified, even though the power harness is usually exposed to the space environment without protection. We conducted hypervelocity impact experiments using a two-stage light gas gun, and investigated the risk resulting in PSD from hypervelocity impacts of particles less than 1mm in size. In addition, we compared two kinds of circuit configurations: a more realistic circuit configuration with internal resistance and a circuit configuration without it, so as to investigate whether internal resistance affects the occurrence of PSD. Stainless steel and aluminum oxide projectiles measuring from 0.3 to 1 mm in diameter were gun-accelerated up to 7.16 km/s. Targets entailed a three-layered power harness under a simulated power condition of typical satellites operating in LEO or GEO. As a result, 11 of 28 shots resulted in PSD. With the more realistic circuit configuration we could not confirm any results regarding PSD. We thus found that PSD is less likely to occur in a more realistic circuit configuration.

Gynecologic Risk Mitigation Considerations for Long-Duration Spaceflight

2020 ◽  
Vol 91 (7) ◽  
pp. 543-564
Author(s):  
Jon G. Steller ◽  
Rebecca S. Blue ◽  
Roshan Burns ◽  
Tina M. Bayuse ◽  
Erik L. Antonsen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Mitigation ◽  
Low Earth Orbit ◽  
Space Environment ◽  
Earth Orbit ◽  
Mineral Density ◽  
Management Options ◽  
Health Maintenance ◽  
Medical Risk ◽  
Long Duration ◽  
The Impact

INTRODUCTION: As NASA and its international partners, as well as the commercial spaceflight industry, prepare for missions of increasing duration and venturing outside of low-Earth orbit, mitigation of medical risk is of high priority. Gynecologic considerations constitute one facet of medical risk for female astronauts. This manuscript will review the preflight, in-flight, and postflight clinical evaluation, management, and prevention considerations for reducing gynecologic and reproductive risks in female astronauts.METHODS: Relevant gynecological articles from databases including Ovid, Medline, Web of Science, various medical libraries, and NASA archives were evaluated for this review. In particular, articles addressing preventive measures or management of conditions in resource-limited environments were evaluated for applicability to future long-duration exploration spaceflight.RESULTS: Topics including abnormal uterine bleeding, anemia, bone mineral density, ovarian cysts, venous thromboembolism, contraception, fertility, and health maintenance were reviewed. Prevention and treatment strategies are discussed with a focus on management options that consider limitations of onboard medical capabilities.DISCUSSION: Long-duration exploration spaceflight will introduce new challenges for maintenance of gynecological and reproductive health. The impact of the space environment outside of low-Earth orbit on gynecological concerns remains unknown, with factors such as increased particle radiation exposure adding complexity and potential risk. While the most effective means of minimizing the impact of gynecologic or reproductive pathology for female astronauts is screening and prevention, gynecological concerns can arise unpredictably as they do on Earth. Careful consideration of gynecological risks and potential adverse events during spaceflight is a critical component to risk analysis and preventive medicine for future exploration missions.Steller JG, Blue RS, Burns R, Bayuse TM, Antonsen EL, Jain V, Blackwell MM, Jennings RT. Gynecologic risk mitigation considerations for long-duration spaceflight. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2020; 91(7):543–564.

Concerning the impact of deorbiting spacecraft to the upper atmosphere

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leonard Schulz ◽  
Karl-Heinz Glassmeier
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Assessment ◽  
Space Debris ◽  
Low Earth Orbit ◽  
Upper Atmosphere ◽  
Terrestrial Habitat ◽  
Satellite Constellations ◽  
Space Programs ◽  
Large Satellite ◽  
Mass Influx ◽  
The Impact

<p>The increasing activities in space due to more and more countries with space programs, advancing commercialization, and large satellite constellation projects lead to a rising number of human-made objects in space. While many of those stay in orbit at high altitudes, objects in low Earth orbit reenter the atmosphere mostly disintegrating and injecting material into the atmosphere. The growing concern about space debris has led to policies encouraging deorbiting of satellites at the end of their lifetime. All that will increase the annual mass influx into the atmosphere by human-made (anthropogenic) objects in the future. We compare the influx of those objects to the natural mass influx of entering meteoroids of asteroidal, cometary, and planetary origin into Earth's atmosphere. We look at the mass and the elemental composition of the entering bodies also incorporating different ablation of those objects. This way, a quantitative assessment of the annual injection of aerosols and atomic remnants into the atmosphere is possible. Today, anthropogenic material makes up way less than 1 % of the overall injected mass. However, future large spacecraft constellations could increase the anthropogenic influx significantly, then contributing 4 % or more of the whole injection. As spacecraft have a high abundance of metal elements, the metal mass portion of the injection can reach up to 15 %. For some elements, the anthropogenic injection may even prevail the natural injection. This implies for future large satellite constellations that the anthropogenic injection can become significant with unknown effects on the upper atmosphere and the terrestrial habitat.</p>

scholarly journals OBSERVATIONS OF SPACE DEBRIS IN THE VICINITY OF ORBITS OF GLOBAL NAVIGATION SATELLITE SYSTEMS

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 94-100
Author(s):  
Ivan Korobtsev ◽  
Tatyana Tsukker ◽  
Marina Mishina ◽  
Vladimir Goryashin ◽  
Maxim Eselevich
Keyword(s):  
Space Debris ◽  
Satellite System ◽  
Global Navigation Satellite Systems ◽  
Optical Measurements ◽  
Navigation Satellite ◽  
Satellite Systems ◽  
Orbital Parameters ◽  
Space Objects ◽  
Global Navigation ◽  
Global Navigation Satellite

The problem of the amount and characteristics of space debris in the vicinity of orbits of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) is of significant interest from the viewpoint of safe operation of these systems. Attempts have repeatedly been made to search for space debris fragments in a given region of orbits, but have not led to cataloging such objects. Only in 2018, eight space objects were discovered which were not related to active or inactive spacecraft or their launch elements. Photometrical and trajectory observations with optical telescopes are practically the only source of information about characteristics of such objects. The paper presents a summary of the design features and technical characteristics of the new AZT-33VM telescope. We describe a technique for determining orbital parameters of non-cataloged space debris from optical measurements. We report the results of photometric observations of a space object, detected in the vicinity of orbits of the Global Navigation Satellite System GLONASS.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document