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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
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Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Core Observatory (SATCAT: 39574, COSPAR ID: 2014-009C) satellite overpass. Type of mission: environmental research. Observation date 26.10.2024. Images in order: original images, infrared and enhanced image. Full spectrum Nikon D7000. Mean altitude: 442.07 km. Elevation: ~61°. Overpass direction from northwest to southeast.
Cosmos 1867 (SATCAT: 18187) non-operational spacecraft orbital debris overpass. Observation date 22.10.2024. Satellite overpass direction from southwest to northeast. Cosmos 1867 was involved in extended fragmentation event from March 21 to April 4, 2014. Images in order: original images, enhanced and infrared image. Full spectrum Nikon D7000. Camera pointed to the west.
Cusat 2 & Falcon 9 R/B Rocket Body (SATCAT: 39271) overpass coming from south to north. Type of orbital debris: derelict launch vehicle stages. Observation date 18.10.2024. Images in order: enhanced, original and infrared band image. Full spectrum Nikon D7000. Camera pointed to the north.
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