Technical Papers – Orbital Debris

An Exploration of Space Situational Awareness (SSA) Needs for Active Debris Removal (ADR) Operators (2020)
Jason Forshaw, Astroscale; Mike Lindsay, Astroscale; Charity Weeden, Astroscale; John Auburn, Astroscale; Chris Blackerby, Astroscale

Keywords: ADR, debris, removal, OOS, servicing, SSA, tumbling, characterization

Can International Law Provide a Basis for Actively Removing Space Debris? (2020)
Scott Steele, The Open University

Keywords: Space Debris, International Law, Environmental Law, Maritime Law, State Responsibility, Removing Debris, Space Law, Mutual Cooperation, International Relations, Consent or no Consent

Contribution from SSA Data to the Definition of a Space Sustainability Rating (2020)
Francesca Letizia, European Space Agency; Stijn Lemmens, ESA/ESOC Space Debris Office; Danielle Wood, Space Enabled Research Group, MIT Media Lab; Minoo Rathnasabapathy, Space Enabled Research Group at the MIT Media Lab; Miles Lifson, MIT Media Lab- Space Enabled Research Group; Riley Stiendl, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Moriba Jah, University of Texas at Austin; Nikolai Khlystov, World Economic Forum; Maksim Soshkin, World Economic Forum; Simon Potter, Bryce Space and Technology

Keywords: space debris, space sustainability

Derelict Space Situational Awareness (SSA) Data for Free (2020)
Darren McKnight, Centauri; Rohit Arora, Centauri; Harrison Shay, Centauri

Keywords: orbital debris, space safety, space situational awareness, risk management

Large Constellations of LEO Satellites and Astronomy (2020)
Patrick Seitzer, University of Michigan, Dept of Astronomy

Keywords: astronomy, orbital debris, LEO, constellations, debris

NASA’s Orbital Debris Optical Program: ES-MCAT Reaches Full Operational Capability (FOC) (2020)
Sue Lederer, NASA Johnson Space Center Orbital Debris Program Office; Corbin Cruz, Jacobs; Brent Buckalew, NASA Orbital Debris Program Office; Paul Hickson, University of British Columbia; Randall Alliss, Northrop Grumman Corporation

Keywords: orbital debris, optical telescope, modeling, autonomous observing

Optical Characterization of DebriSat Fragments in Support of Orbital Debris Environmental Models (2020)
Heather Cowardin, NASA; John Hostetler, JACOBS; James Murray, JACOBS; Jacqueline Reyes, The University of Texas at El Paso; Corbin Cruz, Jacobs

Keywords: laboratory, orbital debris, optical measurements, ORDEM

Supplementing a survey of geosynchronous debris with commercial-off-the-shelf equipment (2020)
James Blake, University of Warwick; Paul Chote, University of Warwick; Don Pollacco, University of Warwick; Demitri Veras, University of Warwick; Andrew Ash, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory; William Feline, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory; Grant Privett, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory; Laura Pirovano, University of Surrey

Keywords: Orbital Debris, GEO Survey, GEO Detection, Light Curves, Small and Large Sensors

Surface Modification of Space Materials Induced by Low Energetic Particle Irradiation (2020)
Denise Beisecker, DLR Institute of Technical Physics; Frederic Seiz, German Aerospace Center, DLR; Nils Bartels, German Aerospace Center, DLR; Wolfgang Riede, German Aerospace Center, DLR; Maciej Sznajder, German Aerospace Center, DLR; Tom Sprowitz, German Aerospace Center, DLR; Thomas Renger, German Aerospace Center, DLR

Keywords: Space Debris, Space Aging, Charged Particle Radiation, Space Debris Characterization, Complex Irradiation Facility, Surface Degradation, Optical Property Degradation

The US Air Force Compliance with the Orbital Debris Mitigation Standard Practices (2020)
Quentin Verspieren, The University of Tokyo

Keywords: Orbital Debris Mitigation Standard Practices; Compliance; US Air Force

A Robust Vision-based Algorithm for Detecting and Classifying Small Orbital Debris Using On-board Optical Cameras (2019)
Yasin Zamani, University of Utah; Joel Amert, NASA/MSFC; Thomas Bryan, NASA/MSFC; Neda Nategh, University of Utah

Keywords: orbital debris, image processing, object detection, classification algorithms, orbital debris tracking systems, optical camera

BVRI Photometry of Space Debris Objects at the Astronomical and Geophysical Observatory in Modra (2019)
Matej Zigo, Comenius University in Bratislava; Jiri Silha, Comenius University, Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics; Stanislav Kraj?ovi?, Comenius University

Keywords: Space Debris, Color Index, Light Curve, GEO

ESA Optical Surveys to Characterize Recent Fragmentation Events in GEO and HEO (2019)
Thomas Schildknecht, Astronomisches Institut Universität Bern; Alessandro Vananti, Astronomische Institut Universitär Bern; Emiliano Cordelli, Astronomisches Institut Universität Bern Tim Flohrer, ESA/ESOC Space Debris Office;

Keywords: Space Debris, Optical Surveys, Breakup Event, Fragmentation Event

Experimentally-Derived Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function Data in Support of the Orbital Debris Program Office (2019)
John Hostetler, JACOBS, NASA Johnson Space Center; Heather Cowardin, JACOBS, NASA Johnson Space Center

Keywords: NROC, BRDF, Phase functions, laboratory data

Network Performance Analysis of Laser-optical Tracking for Space Situational Awareness in the Lower Earth Orbit (2019)
Stefan Scharring, German Aerospace Center (DLR); Jens Rodmann, German Aerospace Center (DLR); Wolfgang Riede, DLR

Keywords: laser ranging, network analysis, orbit determination, space debris, Low Earth Orbit, state vector, covariance propagation, cloud coverage

Optical imaging of faint geosynchronous debris with the Isaac Newton Telescope (2019)
James Blake, University of Warwick; Paul Chote, University of Warwick; Don Pollacco, University of Warwick; Dimitri Veras, University of Warwick; Andrew Ash, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory; William Feline, Dstl; Grant Privett, Dstl

Keywords: Optical imaging, GEO detection and characterization, Brightness variability, GEO Survey, Debris population

Optical Measurements of Faint LEO RSOs: CubeSats and Fengyun 1C Debris (2019)
Peter Zimmer, J. T. McGraw and Associates; John McGraw, J. T. McGraw and Associates; Mark Ackermann, J.T. McGraw and Associates, LLC

Keywords: Optical, SSA, Telescope, Debris, Faint

Remote Manoeuvre of Space Debris using Photon Pressure for Active Collision Avoidance (2019)
Craig Smith, EOS Space Systems; Steve Gower, Space Environment Research Centre; David Ball, Space Environment Research Centre Limited

Keywords: Colliions avoidance, photon pressure, high power lasers, adaptive optics

Space Environment Management: A Common Sense Framework for Controlling Orbital Debris Risk (2019)
Darren McKnight, Centauri; Timothy Maclay, OneWeb

Keywords: Space Safety, Orbital Debris, Debris Mitigation, Debris Remediation

A Search for Debris from Two Titan 3C Transtage Breakups at GEO with a 6.5-m Magellan Telescope (2017)
Patrick Seitzer, Department of Astronomy - University of Michigan, Ed Barker, LZ Technology, Brent Buckalew, Jacobs Jets, Andrew Burkhardt, University of Virginia, Heather Cowardin, University of Texas El Paso - Jacobs Jets, James Frith, University of Texas El Paso - Jacobs Jets, Catherine Kaleida, Space Telescope Science Institute, Susan M. Lederer, NASA Orbital Debris Program Office (JSC)

Keywords: Orbital debris, GEO, telescope

Characterizing GEO Titan IIIC Transtage Fragmentations Using Ground-based and Telescopic Measurements (2017)
Heather Cowardin, University of Texas-El Paso—Jacobs JETS Contract, NASA Johnson Space Center, Phillip Anz-Meador, Jacobs, NASA Johnson Space Center, Jacqueline A. Reyes, University of Texas-El Paso—Jacobs JETS Contract, NASA Johnson Space Center

Keywords: Spectroscopy, Titan Transtage, GEO fragmentation, laboratory measurements

Characterizing the Survey Strategy and Initial Orbit Determination Abilities of the NASA MCAT Telescope for Geosynchronous Orbital Debris Environmental Studies (2017)
James Frith, University of Texas El Paso, Jacobs JETS Contract, NASA Johnson Space Center, Ed Barker, LZ Technology, Inc, Heather Cowardin, University of Texas El Paso, Jacobs JETS Contract, NASA Johnson Space Center, Brent Buckalew, Jacobs, NASA Johnson Space Center, Phillip Anz-Meador, Jacobs, NASA Johnson Space Center, Susan Lederer, NASA Johnson Space Center

Keywords: Orbital Debris, GEO, orbit determination, Modeling, Survey

Debris Albedo from Laser Ablation in Low and High Vacuum: Comparisons to Hypervelocity Impact (2017)
Gouri Radhakrishnan, Space Materials Laboratory - The Aerospace Corporation, Paul M. Adams, Space Materials Laboratory - The Aerospace Corporation, Diana R. Alaan, Space Materials Laboratory - The Aerospace Corporation, Christopher J. Panetta, Space Materials Laboratory - The Aerospace Corporation

Keywords: Albedo of orbital debris, hypervelocity impact, laser ablation

Exploiting Orbital Data and Observation Campaigns to Improve Space Debris Models (2017)
Vitali Braun, IMS Space Consultancy at Space Debris Office - ESA/ESOC, Andr´e Horstmann, Institute of Space Systems - TU Braunschweig, Benedikt Reihs, Space Debris Office - ESA/ESOC, Stijn Lemmens, Space Debris Office - ESA/ESOC, Klaus Merz, Space Debris Office - ESA/ESOC, Holger Krag, Space Debris Office - ESA/ESOC

Keywords: Space debris, mitigation, DRAMA, MASTER

Precision Tracking of Decimeter Targets at GEO Distances using the Magdalena Ridge Observatory 2.4-meter Telescope (2017)
William Ryan, Magdalena Ridge Observatory - New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Eileen Ryan, Magdalena Ridge Observatory - New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology

Keywords: Space situational awareness, GEO-satellites, cubesats

Application of Satellite Laser Ranging Techniques for Space Situational Awareness Efforts (2016)
Mark Shappirio, NASA/GSFC, J.F. McGarry, NASA/GSFC, J. Bufton, Global Science and Technology, J.W. Cheek, Sigma SpaceCo., D.B. Coyle, NASA/GSFC, S.M. Hull, NASA/GSFC, P.R. Stysley, NASA/GSFC, X. Sun, NASA/GSFC, R.P. Young, NASA/GSFC, T. Zagwodzki, Cybioms Inc.

Keywords: Orbital Debris, Conjunction Assesment, Laser Ranging

Laser Remote Maneuver of Space Debris at the Space Environment Research Center (2016)
Matthew Bold, Lockheed Martin Space Systems

Keywords: Laser Remote Maneuver of Space Debris at the Space Environment Research Centre

NASA’s Orbital Debris Optical and IR Ground-based Observing Program: Utilizing the MCAT, UKIRT, and Magellan Telescopes (2016)
Susan Lederer, NASA Johnson Space Center, H. M. Cowardin, Univ. Texas El Paso, B. A. Buckalew, JETS Jacobs Technology, J. M. Frith, Univ. Texas El Paso, P. Hickson, Univ. British Columbia, L. F. Pace, NASA JSC, M. Matney, NASA JSC, P. D. Anz-Meador, JETS Jacobs Technology, P. Seitzer, Univ. Michigan, E. G. Stansbery, NASA JSC, T. Glesne, Schafer Pacific Corporation

Keywords: orbital debris, optical, infrared, measurements, telescopes

Optical Observations of Briz-M Fragments in Geo (2016)
Jiri Silha, Astronomical Institute University of Bern, Thomas Schildknecht, Astronomical Institute University of Bern, Tim Flohrer, European Space Agency ESA ESOC

Keywords: Space Debris, Optical Survey, Briz-M Breakup

Optical Techniques for Space Environment Management (2016)
Ben Greene, Space Environment Research Centre

Keywords: debris, SSA, laser, tracking, astrodynamics, collision

Sub-Millimeter Size Debris Monitoring System with IDEA OSG 1 (2016)
Masahiko Uetsuhara, ASTROSCALE PTE. LTD., Mitsunobu Okada, ASTROSCALE PTE. LTD., Yasunori Yamazaki, ASTROSCALE PTE. LTD., Toshiya Hanada, Kyushu University

Keywords: Sub-millimeter size debris, In-situ measurement, Impact data processing

The Population of Optically Faint GEO Debris (2016)
Patrick Seitzer, University of Michigan, Ed Barker, LZ Technology Inc, Brent Buckalew, Jacobs JETS, Andrew Burkhardt, University of Virginia, Heather Cowardin, University of Texas El Paso - Jacobs JETS, James Frith, University of Texas El Paso - Jacobs JETS, Catherine Kaleida, Space Telescope Science Institute, Susan M. Lederer, NASA Orbital Debris Program Office (JSC), Chris H. Lee, University of Michigan

Keywords: geosynchronous, orbital debris, space debris

Tracking Low Earth Orbit Small Debris with GPS Satellites as Bistatic Radar (2016)
Md. Sohrab Mahmud, UNSW Canberra, Sana Qaisar, UNSW Canberra, Craig Benson, UNSW Canberra

Keywords: space situational awareness, space debris, passive radar, GNSS, GPS

Deploying the NASA Meter Class Autonomous Telescope (MCAT) on Ascension Island (2015)
Susan Lederer, NASA JSC, L. F. Pace, NASA JSC, P. Hickson, U British Columbia, T. Glesne, Schafer Pacific, H. M. Cowardin, U Texas El Paso, J. M. Frith, UTexas El Paso, B. Buckalew, JETS Jacobs Technology, R. Maeda, Integrity Applications Incorporated, D. Douglas, Integrity Applications Incorporated, D. Nishimoto, Integrity Applications Incorporated

Keywords: Ground-based telescopes, orbital debris

Environment Characterisation by Using Innovative Debris Detector (2015)
Merlin F. Barschke, Technische Universität Berlin, Dr. Oliver Romberg, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Dr. Waldemar Bauer, German Aerospace Center (DLR)

Keywords: impact detector, SOLID, solar panels, model validation

GEO Collisional Risk Assessment Based on Analysis of NASA-WISE Data and Modeling (2015)
Samantha Howard, AFRL Space Vehicles Directorate, Jeremy Murray-Krezan, AFRL Space Vehicles Directorate, Phan Dao, AFRL Space Vehicles Directorate, Derek Surka, Applied Technology Associates

Keywords: Space Situational Awareness, Space Control, Infrared imaging, Space-Based Sensing, Sensor Performance, Space Debris, Space Environmental Hazards

Space Debris Attitude Simulation – IOTA (In-Orbit Tumbling Analysis) (2015)
Ronny Kanzler, Hyperschall Technologie Göttingen GmbH, Jiri Silha, Astronomical Institute, University of Bern, Bent Fritsche, Hyperschall Technologie Göttingen GmbH, Tobias Lips, Hyperschall Technologie Göttingen GmbH, Thomas Schildknecht, Astronomical Institute, University of Bern, Holger Krag, Space Debris Office, ESA/ESOC

Keywords: space debris, attitude dynamics, modelling

Statistical Track-Before-Detect Methods Applied to Faint Optical Observations of Resident Space Objects (2015)
Toshifumi Yanagisawa, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, Masahiko Uetsuhara, , Kohei Fujimoto, Texas A&M University

Keywords: Track-Before-Detect, faint object detection, finite set statistics

Streak Detection Algorithm for Space Debris Detection on Optical Images (2015)
Thomas Schildknecht, Astronomical Institute (AIUB), University of Bern, Klaus Schild, Astronomical Institute (AIUB), University of Bern, Alessandro Vannanti, Astronomical Institute (AIUB), University of Bern

Keywords: space debris detection, image processing, streak detection

A Deterministic Approach to Active Debris Removal Target Selection (2014)
Aleksander Lidtke (University of Southampton), Hugh Lewis (University of Southampton), Roberto Armellin (University of Southampton)

Keywords: Space Surveillance and Tracking, Active Debris Removal, Active Debris Target Selection, ADR

GEO Belt Survey with WFCAM (2014)
Rick Kendrick (Lockheed Martin Advanced Technology Center), Watson Varricatt (UKIRT), Matt Bold (Lockheed Martin), Nick Cross (University of Edinburgh Institute for Astronomy), Tom Kerr (UKIRT), Mike Irwin (University of Cambridge Institute of Astronomy), Mike Read (University of Edinburgh Institute for Astronomy), Greg Madsen (University of Cambridge Institute for Astronomy), Bob Mann (University of Edinburgh Institute for Astronomy)

Keywords: UKIRT, WFCAM, Orbital Debris, Space Situational Awareness

High Resolution Radar for NASA and Space Situational Awareness for Observation and Monitoring (2014)
Barry Geldzahler (NASA), Dr. Larry D’Addario (Jet Propulsion Laboratory), Melanie Ott (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center), Rick Birr (NASA Kennedy Space Center), Gary Woods (NASA Kennedy Space Center), Michael Miller (NASA Kennedy Space Center)

Keywords: Near Earth Objects, orbital debris, space situational awareness, high resolution radar systems

Implications of Hierarchies for RSO Characterization, Recognition, and Identification (2014)
Matthew Wilkins (Applied Defense Solutions), Brian Ruttenberg (Charles River Analytics), Avi Pfeffer (Charles River Analytics), Paul Schumacher (Air Force Research Laboratory), Moriba Jah (Air Force Research Laboratory)

Keywords: Hierarchy, Taxonomy, Space Object Identification, Sensor Tasking, Model Neighborhood

Improved Space Object Orbit Determination Using CMOS Detectors (2014)
J. Silha (Astronomical Institue, University of Bern, Switzerland), Thomas Schildknecht (Astronomical Institute, University of Bern), T. Flohrer (Space Debris Office, ESA/ESOC, Germany)

Keywords: space surveillance, orbit determination, CMOS detector

LightForce Photon-Pressure Collision Avoidance: Updated Efficiency Analysis Utilizing a Highly Parallel Simulation Approach (2014)
Jan Stupl (SGT / NASA Ames Research Center), Jonathan Aziz (University of Colorado Boulder / NASA Ames Research Center), Bron Nelson (Computer Sciences Corporation/NASA Ames Research Center), Fan Yang Yang (STC/NASA Ames Research Center), Cyrus Foster (SGT/NASA Ames Research Center), Nicolas Faber (SGT/NASA Ames Research Center), Andrew Nuttall (Standford University/USRA/NASA Ames Research Center), Chris Henze (NASA Ames Research Center), Creon Levit (NASA Ames Research Center)

Keywords: space debris mitigation, conjunction analysis, laser, parallel computing

Changes of Space Debris Orbits after LDR Operation (2013)
Edwin Wnuk, Adam Mickiewicz, (University, Astronomical Observatory)

Keywords: space debris, LDR operation

Commercial Space Situational Awareness: An investigation of Ground-based SSA Concepts to Support Commercial GEO Satellite Operators (2013)
Mark A. Skinner (Boeing LTS) Thomas M. Kelecy, Stephen A. Gregory, Joseph P. Toth, and Dennis Liang (Boeing LTS) Dean Yamanaka, Stan Kent, (Boeing Satellite Systems), Customer Operations Support Center, Rodney Tjoelker and Dragos Margineantu, (Boeing Research & Technology) Audrey L. Allison, (Boeing Frequency Management Services) Christopher Heiberg, (Boeing Space & Intelligence Systems)

Keywords: commercial SSA

Initial Taxonomy and Classification Scheme for Artificial Space Objects based on Ancestral Relation and Clustering (2013)
C. Fruh, Mechanical Engineering Department, University of New Mexico / Air Force Research Laboratory, Space Vehicles) Directorate, NM, USA, M. Jah, (Air Force Research Laboratory, Space Vehicles Directorate, Albuquerque, NM), USA E. Valdez, (United States Geological Survey), Dept. of Biology, University of New Mexico, NM , P. Kervin, (Air Force Maui Optical & Supercomputing (AMOS), Kihei, HI, and T. Kelecy, (The Boeing Company, Colorado Springs, CO, Email: thomas.m.kelecy@boeing.com, Directorate, NM

Keywords: taxonomy, classification

LightForce Photon-Pressure Collision Avoidance: Efficiency Assessment on an Entire Catalogue of Space Debris (2013)
Jan Stupl, Nicolas Faber, Cyrus Foster, SGT Inc. (NASA Ames Research Center), Fan Yang Yang, (Universities Space Research Association / NASA Ames Research Center), Creon Levit, (NASA Ames Research Center)

Keywords: orbital debris, space debris

Observations of Titan IIIC Transtage Fragmentation Debris (2013)
H. Cowardin, JETS/Jacobs, P.Seitzer, (Department of Astronomy, University of Michigan) , K. Abercromby, (Aerospace Engineering Department, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo) , E. Barker, (LZ Technology, Inc), B. Buckalew, T. Cardona, (University of Bologna, Italy), P. Krisko, S. Lederer, (NASA/JSC)

Keywords: Space debris, GEO, Titan break-up, photometry, spectroscopy

Observed Peaks in Satellite Conjunctions with Debris Populations (2013)
Bruce W. Rabalais (DigitalGlobe, Inc)

Keywords: debris, conjunction, collision, cola, orbit selection

The Classical Laplace Plane and its use as a Stable Disposal Orbit for GEO (2013)
Aaron J. Rosengren, Daniel J. Scheeres, and Jay W. McMahon (University of Colorado, Boulder)

Keywords: Orbital Debris, Disposal Orbits, Geosynchronous Orbit, Orbital Dynamics, Perturbations, Laplace Plane

Towards an Artificial Space Object Taxonomy (2013)
Matthew P. Wilkins, (Applied Defense Solutions), Columbia, MD, Avi Pfeffer, Charles River Analytics, Cambridge, MA, Paul W. Schumacher (Air Force Research Laboratory), Kihei, HI, Moriba K. Jah, (Air Force Research Laboratory), Albuquerque, NM

Keywords: space surveillance, space situational awareness, space object identification, space object characterization, Bayesian networks, space object taxonomy

What Happened to BLITS? An Analysis of the 2013 Jan 22 Event (2013)
T.S. Kelso, (Center for Space Standards & Innovation), N.N. Parkhomenko, V.D. Shargorodsky, V.P. Vasiliev, V.S. Yurasov, (Open Joint-Stock Company Research-and-Production Corporation), "Precision Systems and Instruments" A.I. Nazarenko (Scientific and Technological Center "KOSMONIT"), S. Tanygin, (Analytical Graphics, Inc.), R.M. Hiles, (Joint Space Operations Center)

Keywords: Collision, Breakup