Orbital Debris Observations
Ground-based optical observations of the orbital debris environment
Space debris encompasses both natural meteoroid and artificial (human-made) orbital debris. Meteoroids are in orbit about the sun, while most artificial debris is in orbit about the Earth (hence the term “orbital” debris). Orbital debris is the term for any object in Earth orbit that no longer serves a useful function. These objects include non-operational spacecraft, derelict launch vehicle stages, mission-related debris, and fragmentation debris. NASA - Orbital Debris Management and Risk Mitigation.
Space Debris Research Lab studies the mechanisms of motion of functionable space systems through MIRCE Space, to understand, design and manage sustainable space missions regarding: On-Orbit Satellite Servicing, Rendezvous and Docking, Remote Sensing Technologies, Tracking Aids, Deorbit Systems and Orbital Debris Observations.
Optical observations of large orbital debris in low Earth orbit (LEO) [Non-operational spacecrafts and derelict launch vehicle stages - rocket bodies].
Observations of orbital debris:
- from McKnight Top 50 - the 50 statistically most concerning derelict objects in LEO (old and new list)
- involved in conjunction and fragmentation events
- in deorbit and reentry phase
The observations are currently done from Novi Sad metropolitan area, Serbia, under leadership of Lazar Jeftic. It is expected that the future work will include observations from Accra, Ghana and Bangalore, India.
ResearchGate: Optical Observations of Large Orbital Debris in Low Earth Orbit
Orbital Debris Observation Dates:
ERS-2 non-operational spacecraft overpass videos: YouTube link
Space Debris Research Lab - ResearchGate
Space Debris Research Lab - Linkedin page