Carolin Fruh (Astronomical Institute, University of Bern, Switzerland), Thomas Schildknecht (Astronomical Institute, University of Bern, Switzerland)
Keywords: High-Area-to-Mass, Space Debris, object characteristics and properties
Abstract:
The Astronomical Institute of the University of Bern first discovered in 2004 an unexpected population of so called high area-to-mass ratio (HAMR) objects in GEO-like orbits. Due to their unique properties these objects pose a major challenge in maintaining an orbit over longer time periods. The orbits of HAMR objects at high altitudes are strongly perturbed by solar radiation pressure. Observations suggest that the objects have a strong attitude motion. The Astronomical Institute of the University of Bern (AIUB) collected a significant set of observations of HAMR objects over the past years. Some of the objects could be followed over longer time intervals. The paper addresses the task to investigate the properties and characteristics of HAMR objects by analyzing optical observations of five HAMR objects in GEO-like orbits stemming from the internal AIUB catalogue. The dynamical properties are investigated by means of systematic orbit determination. Evolution of orbital elements and the Area-to-Mass-Ratio over time. Differences of orbits determined with observations from a single site or combined observations of various sites are investigated. The propagated orbits are compared to further optical observations belonging to the same object, which serve as a ground truth.
Date of Conference: September 14-17, 2010
Track: Non-resolved Object Characterization