Space Debris Research Lab - 06022025 SL-16 RB 16182-19650

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

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SL-16 R/B Rocket Body (COSPAR ID: 1985-097B, SATCAT: 16182) orbital debris overpass from north to south. Elevation: ~84°. Altitude (Perigee: 830.5 km, Apogee: 839.62 km).

SL-16 R/B Rocket Body (COSPAR ID: 1988-102B, SATCAT: 19650) orbital debris overpass from north to south. Elevation: ~62°. Altitude (Perigee: 824.61 km, Apogee: 848.56 km).

Type of orbital debris: derelict launch vehicle stages. Observation date 06.02.2025. Images in order: enhanced, original, enhanced, enhanced, original and enhanced. Full spectrum Nikon D7000.

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