William Ryan, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Dr. Eileen V. Ryan, NM Institute of Mining and Technology
Keywords: Space situational awareness, GEO-satellites, asteroids
Abstract:
The close approach of near-Earth object 2015 VY105 on November 15, 2015 occurred less than 24 hours after discovery by the Catalina Sky Survey (located in Tucson, AZ). Based on the discovery metric information and follow up data from Magdalena Ridge Observatory (MRO) observations, it was clear that this asteroid would pass through the geostationary satellite belt. In particular, data indicated that although 2015 VY105 would come within approximately 200 km of the DirectTV 11 and 14 satellites, it would not impact either. The details of this analysis as well as characterization results acquired are presented. Further, examples of various other asteroids that have made close approaches within geostationary distances in the past (with both long and short lead times) are included for risk context.
Date of Conference: September 20-23, 2016
Track: Poster