Sensing and Avoiding Space Debris

Sensing and Avoiding Space Debris


The conventional approach to avoiding collisions in space centers on estimating where satellites and debris will be relative to each other on subsequent orbits. Technologists are also working on concepts for removing dead satellites and spent rocket stages from orbit. Given the plans private companies have for launching thousands of satellites, these strategies may not suffice. Space expert Dave Finkleman says it's time to consider an alternative approach (Finkleman, 2017). I find this article very fascinating, considering the fantastic amount of satellites that will be launched in the next decade. The premise of this article is to bring to light the growing amount of space debris as well as the amount of satalites inorbit with more planned in the coming years. Should there be more research into this growing field or is there more technology in the works for equipment that can collect or destroy the space debris. This tech will solve one of two problems but will have issues with keeping existing satellites from colliding. The debris mitigation industry should consider alternatives to traditional strategies for reducing the risk of debris-causing collisions. Instead of trusting our ability to track objects from the ground and mathematically estimate possible conjunctions, manufacturers might equip their spacecraft for obstacle avoidance. Satellites might be able to sense and avoid dangerous encounters, returning to their operational trajectories autonomously with very little mass or volume impact (Finkleman, 2017).
Further research will demonstrate the ability for satellites to communicate with other satellites to make avoidance corrections. This will help the satalite maintain orbit as well as avoid the oncoming state that can also make corrections to avoid debris altogether. Many companies have a great opportunity to get on the forefront of this research inorder to retain equipment from being destroyed and provided extended longevity for the material. 

  • Finkleman, D. (2017). Sense and avoid for satellites. Aerospace America, 55(5), 38.

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