Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
individual
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
James Kirk, Senior
Lead Presenter's Name
James Kirk
Lead Presenter's College
DB College of Engineering
Faculty Mentor Name
Dr. Cagri Kilic
Abstract
The growing population of orbital debris, including a significant amount of debris ranging from 1 to 10 cm, has substantially increased the risk to satellites. Due to the sheer number and high velocities, debris ranging from 1 to 10 cm still has the ability to cause mission-ending damage while remaining undetectable by ground-based detection facilities. This study utilizes the NASA Standard Satellite Breakup Model (NASA SSBM), combined with MATLAB, to propagate debris clouds over extended durations, enabling the identification of high-detection zones and debris rings. Using the modeled spacecraft environment, a satellite was positioned below the debris ring altitudes. Lowering the altitude of the satellite relative to the resident space objects (RSO) allows for a safer approach to space-based debris detection while simultaneously increasing the probability of detection. An onboard camera was then oriented towards the zenith for debris detection. To evaluate detection probabilities, STK Electro-Optical and Infrared (EOIR) was used along with camera and detector chip parameters. The results confirmed that detection and cataloging of sub-10 cm debris was possible using the ASTRiDE streak detection software. These findings ultimately demonstrate the viability of close-proximity space-based detection as a means for cataloging previously undetectable debris.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
No
Eliminating Range Constraints for Optical Tracking of Sub-10 cm Orbital Debris
The growing population of orbital debris, including a significant amount of debris ranging from 1 to 10 cm, has substantially increased the risk to satellites. Due to the sheer number and high velocities, debris ranging from 1 to 10 cm still has the ability to cause mission-ending damage while remaining undetectable by ground-based detection facilities. This study utilizes the NASA Standard Satellite Breakup Model (NASA SSBM), combined with MATLAB, to propagate debris clouds over extended durations, enabling the identification of high-detection zones and debris rings. Using the modeled spacecraft environment, a satellite was positioned below the debris ring altitudes. Lowering the altitude of the satellite relative to the resident space objects (RSO) allows for a safer approach to space-based debris detection while simultaneously increasing the probability of detection. An onboard camera was then oriented towards the zenith for debris detection. To evaluate detection probabilities, STK Electro-Optical and Infrared (EOIR) was used along with camera and detector chip parameters. The results confirmed that detection and cataloging of sub-10 cm debris was possible using the ASTRiDE streak detection software. These findings ultimately demonstrate the viability of close-proximity space-based detection as a means for cataloging previously undetectable debris.