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
Abstract:
With the numbers of conjunction avoidance maneuvers for the International Space Station and other Low Earth Orbit satellites rising and likely to continue to increase, the need to develop methods to produce accurate 72+ hour orbital predictions is becoming critical. One emerging solution is to utilize satellite laser ranging techniques to range to debris and refine the initial positions to improve the orbital predictions for objects predicted to experience a close approach. Some stations in Europe have already demonstrated that this technique is possible, but it has not been employed to refine the likelihood of collision. We will present a notional architecture for laser ranging to debris utilizing existing satellite laser ranging or visual tracking facilities. We will also discuss the capabilities of laser ranging for Space Situational Awareness and provide a direct comparison to current visual and radar tracking methods.
Date of Conference: September 20-23, 2016
Track: Orbital Debris