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.
Orbital Debris Observations:
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CUSAT 2 and FALCON 9 Rocket Body (SATCAT: 39271). Observation date 20.12.2022. Acquired with custom made Canon SX280HS color-infrared camera. Exposure time 25 seconds. Satellite overpass direction from south to north.
SL-8 R/B Rocket Body (SATCAT: 20775). Observation date 20.12.2022. Satellite overpass direction from north to south. Image enhancement applied.
SL-16 R/B Rocket body (SATCAT: 22285) 19.09.2019. Rocket body overpass can be seen with a continuous bright line. Full spectrum Canon A800. Image enhancement applied.