Passive optical detection of submillimeter and millimeter size space debris in low Earth orbit |
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Authors: | Mike Gruntman |
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Institution: | Department of Astronautical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089-1192, USA |
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Abstract: | Understanding of the space debris environment and accuracy of its observation-validated models are essential for optimal design and safe operation of satellite systems. Existing ground-based optical telescopes and radars are not capable of observing debris smaller than several millimeters in size. A new experimental and instrumental approach – the space-based Local Orbital Debris Environment (LODE) detector – aims at in situ measuring of debris with sizes from 0.2–10 mm near the satellite orbit. The LODE concept relies on a passive optical photon-counting time-tagging imaging system detecting solar photons (in the visible spectral range) reflected by debris crossing the sensor field of view. In contrast, prior feasibility studies of space-based optical sensors considered frame detectors in the focal plane. The article describes the new experimental concept, discusses top-level system parameters and design tradeoffs, outlines an approach to identifying and extracting rare debris detection events from the background, and presents an example of performance characteristics of a LODE sensor with a 6-cm diameter aperture. The article concludes with a discussion of possible sensor applications on satellites. |
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Keywords: | Space debris Passive optical debris detection Photon-counting detector Proximity sensing Space situational awareness Mission assurance |
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