Christian Ramos, Omitron Inc; Deshaun Hutchinson, 18th Space Defense Squadron; Brent Skrehart, Omitron, Inc; David Gillespie, Omitron, Inc.; Diana McKissock, 18th Space Defense Squadron
Keywords: Space Domain Awareness, Conjunction Assessment, ASAT
Abstract:
ABSTRACT
On November 15, 2021, at 0247 UTC, Russia’s direct ascent Anti-Satellite Weapon (DA ASAT) conducted a destructive test against COSMOS 1408 (SCC# 13552) in Leo Earth Orbit (LEO). We will examine the impacts of the Russian debris-causing event on the space domain awareness (SDA) mission and the technological improvements made to meet the growing challenges of the congested environment. Beginning with initial candidate nomination, new tools were implemented to merge system capabilities, leverage the manning of 18th Space Control Squadron (18 SPCS), and expedite the new object nomination process. During the candidate formation and object separation phase, new event management tools were developed, and senior analyst expertise was grown to better delineate high drag debris at a mass scale. Finally, the increase in debris density in LEO has resulted in increased reporting to NASA’s Trajectory Operations Officer (TOPO) at Johnson Space Center’s Mission Control. The International Space Station (ISS) will consistently travel through the densest part of the debris plane (~400-550km) due to its orbital altitude (~420km). Likewise, any LEO high-value assets in an orbit similar to that of the ISS will pass through the densest part of the debris plane and will also be at incresed risk. We will break down the number of conjunctions, debris avoidance maneuvers performed, and how 18 SPCS has continued to maintain spaceflight safety in the space domain.
DISCLAIMER
The views expressed in this article are solely those of the authors in their personal capacity and may not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Department of Defense and its components, Omitron Inc., or the Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance Technologies Conference.
Date of Conference: September 27-20, 2022
Track: Space Debris