Assessment of the NASA Evolve Long-Term Orbital Debris Evolution Model

Assessment of the NASA Evolve Long-Term Orbital Debris Evolution Model
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages: 159
Release: 1995
Genre:
ISBN:

The EVOLVE long-term orbital debris evolution model developed for the NASA Johnson Space Center by Lockheed Engineering and Sciences Company and Systems Planning Corporation is described and evaluated in detail. This computer model calculates the low earth orbit (LEO) debris spatial number density or flux environment as a function of fragment size, altitude, and time. Launched intact objects, introduced from detailed manifest databases, are time-evolved with an analytical orbit propagator. Debris clouds, formed from the application of cloud formation algorithm and breakup model, are time-evolved using a derived phenomenological function. This report describes the overall computer model (e.g., its deterministic and stochastic modes of calculation) and examines the individual submodels used to quantify the debris population in LEO. Model results are compared to observed debris data. Specific recommendations and possible model improvements are cited. Also presented is a sample satellite constellation hazard assessment using EVOLVE. (MM).

Limiting Future Collision Risk to Spacecraft

Limiting Future Collision Risk to Spacecraft
Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 178
Release: 2011-11-16
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0309219779

Derelict satellites, equipment and other debris orbiting Earth (aka space junk) have been accumulating for many decades and could damage or even possibly destroy satellites and human spacecraft if they collide. During the past 50 years, various National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) communities have contributed significantly to maturing meteoroid and orbital debris (MMOD) programs to their current state. Satellites have been redesigned to protect critical components from MMOD damage by moving critical components from exterior surfaces to deep inside a satellite's structure. Orbits are monitored and altered to minimize the risk of collision with tracked orbital debris. MMOD shielding added to the International Space Station (ISS) protects critical components and astronauts from potentially catastrophic damage that might result from smaller, untracked debris and meteoroid impacts. Limiting Future Collision Risk to Spacecraft: An Assessment of NASA's Meteoroid and Orbital Debris Program examines NASA's efforts to understand the meteoroid and orbital debris environment, identifies what NASA is and is not doing to mitigate the risks posed by this threat, and makes recommendations as to how they can improve their programs. While the report identified many positive aspects of NASA's MMOD programs and efforts including responsible use of resources, it recommends that the agency develop a formal strategic plan that provides the basis for prioritizing the allocation of funds and effort over various MMOD program needs. Other necessary steps include improvements in long-term modeling, better measurements, more regular updates of the debris environmental models, and other actions to better characterize the long-term evolution of the debris environment.

Assessment of the NASA Orbital Debris Engineering Model

Assessment of the NASA Orbital Debris Engineering Model
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages: 89
Release: 1995
Genre:
ISBN:

This report presents an assessment of the orbital debris engineering model which predicts near and long term orbit debris environments on spacecraft in low earth orbit. The model predicts debris flux environment, mass, and collision velocity distributions. The empirically based model is a curve fit to measured data and incorporates results derived from the NASA EVOLVE code. The data base includes US Space Command orbital element sets, Aricebo and Goldstone radar observations, MIT/Lincoln Laboratory Experimental Test System and Ground based Electrooptical Deep Space Surveillance optical data, and surface impact data from the Solar Maximum Mission. The model is most sensitive to the small debris particles and becomes undefined as the particle size approaches zero. The model is least sensitive to changes in orbital altitude. The model predicts essentially constant flux> 1000 km and does not reproduce measured data at these altitudes. The uncertainty is shown to be a factor of 2-4 for an altitude of 500 + 200 km (all particle sizes) and for sizes> 10 cm (for all altitudes), and at least an order of magnitude for all other sizes and altitudes. The collision-velocity distribution, and particle mass expressions represent extremely gross approximations of the environment. On the basis of the results of the analysis, it is recommended the model's use be restricted to altitudes

Space Debris

Space Debris
Author: Heiner Klinkrad
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 438
Release: 2006-09-01
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 3540376747

The future evolution of the debris environment will be forecast on the basis of traffic models and possible hazard mitigation practices. The text shows how large trackable objects will have re-entry pinpointed and predictions made on related risk assessment for possible ground impact. Models will also be described for meteoroids which are also a prevailing risk.

Orbital Debris

Orbital Debris
Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 225
Release: 1995-07-07
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0309051258

Since the beginning of space flight, the collision hazard in Earth orbit has increased as the number of artificial objects orbiting the Earth has grown. Spacecraft performing communications, navigation, scientific, and other missions now share Earth orbit with spent rocket bodies, nonfunctional spacecraft, fragments from spacecraft breakups, and other debris created as a byproduct of space operations. Orbital Debris examines the methods we can use to characterize orbital debris, estimates the magnitude of the debris population, and assesses the hazard that this population poses to spacecraft. Potential methods to protect spacecraft are explored. The report also takes a close look at the projected future growth in the debris population and evaluates approaches to reducing that growth. Orbital Debris offers clear recommendations for targeted research on the debris population, for methods to improve the protection of spacecraft, on methods to reduce the creation of debris in the future, and much more.

Orbital Debris

Orbital Debris
Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 224
Release: 1995-06-07
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0309176808

Since the beginning of space flight, the collision hazard in Earth orbit has increased as the number of artificial objects orbiting the Earth has grown. Spacecraft performing communications, navigation, scientific, and other missions now share Earth orbit with spent rocket bodies, nonfunctional spacecraft, fragments from spacecraft breakups, and other debris created as a byproduct of space operations. Orbital Debris examines the methods we can use to characterize orbital debris, estimates the magnitude of the debris population, and assesses the hazard that this population poses to spacecraft. Potential methods to protect spacecraft are explored. The report also takes a close look at the projected future growth in the debris population and evaluates approaches to reducing that growth. Orbital Debris offers clear recommendations for targeted research on the debris population, for methods to improve the protection of spacecraft, on methods to reduce the creation of debris in the future, and much more.

Orbital Debris: A Chronology

Orbital Debris: A Chronology
Author: David S. F. Portree
Publisher:
Total Pages: 176
Release: 1999
Genre: Space debris
ISBN:

The 37-year (1961-1998) history of orbital debris concerns. Tracks orbital debris hazard creation, research, observation, experimentation, management, mitigation, protection, and policy. Includes debris-producing, events; U.N. orbital debris treaties, Space Shuttle and space station orbital debris issues; ASAT tests; milestones in theory and modeling; uncontrolled reentries; detection system development; shielding development; geosynchronous debris issues, including reboost policies: returned surfaces studies, seminar papers reports, conferences, and studies; the increasing effect of space activities on astronomy; and growing international awareness of the near-Earth environment.

Space Debris

Space Debris
Author: Walter Flury
Publisher:
Total Pages: 436
Release: 2004
Genre: Space debris
ISBN:

Summary of the Workshop to Identify Gaps and Possible Directions for NASA's Meteoroid and Orbital Debris Programs

Summary of the Workshop to Identify Gaps and Possible Directions for NASA's Meteoroid and Orbital Debris Programs
Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 40
Release: 2011-09-25
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0309215153

A Summary of the Workshop to Identify the Gaps and Possible Directions for NASA's Meteoroid and Orbital Debris Programs summarizes the two-day workshop held on March 9-10, 2011, where various stakeholders presented diverse perspectives on matters concerning NASA Micrometeoroid and Orbital Debris (MMOD) programs, NASA mission operators, the role and relationships of NASA MMOD programs to other federal agencies, MMOD and the commercial industry, and orbital debris retrieval and removal. The report assesses NASA's existing efforts, policies, and organizations with regard to orbital debris and micrometeoroids by creating advisory dialogue on potential opportunities for program enhancement and maintenance practices.