Space Debris - Models and Risk Analysis

Heiner Klinkrad

The hazard posed by space debris is becoming of increasing concern to the scientific and commercial users of space. Apart from observable, cataloged objects, there is a much more abundant population of hazardous space debris which cannot be tracked. Different sources contribute to this space debris environment. The spatial distribution and dynamics of the resulting population can be expressed in mathematical models, which can be used to determine the collision risk for a given space mission. The risk on orbit can be reduced by different debris mitigation measures, the effectiveness of which can be tested in long-term projections of the debris environment. Other mitigation measures can be defined for the risk reduction due to atmospheric re-entry and ground impact. If proven space debris mitigation measures are applied by all space operators, then the space debris environment can be maintained at a safe level for future generations.

Space Debris – Models and Risk Analysis

• provides the reader with a detailed analysis of the sources of the current space debris environment on-orbit;
• details the mathematical concepts of debris environment modeling and collision flux analysis;
• outlines debris mitigation measures, and verifies their effectiveness in long-term environment projections;
• provides an insight into operational collision risk assessment and avoidance maneuver procedures;
• develops methods for re-entry survival analysis and on-ground risk estimation;
• summarizes the status of hypervelocity impact accelerator, damage prediction and shielding technology;
• indicates the relevance of meteoroids and meteorites for the assessment of on-orbit and on-ground risk;
• highlights the importance of international cooperation for controlling the space debris environment.

The book is suited for undergraduate and graduate courses in aeronautical engineering.

Table of Contents

Prolog

1. Introduction
2. The Current Space Debris Environment and its Sources
3. Modeling of the Current Space Debris Environment
4. Modeling of Collision Flux for the Current Space Debris Environment
5. Modeling of the Future Space Debris Environment
6. Effects of Debris Mitigation Measures on Environment Projections
7. Hypervelocity Impact Damage Assessment and Protection Techniques
8. Operational Collision Avoidance with Regard to Catalog Objects
9. Re-Entry Prediction and On-Ground Risk Estimation
10. Modeling of the Terrestrial Meteoroid Environment
11. Space Debris Activities in an International Context

Epilog
A Basics of Orbit Mechanics
B The Atmosphere of the Earth
C The Gravitational Potential of the Earth
D The World Population Viewed from Orbit
E Color Supplement

List of Symbols
List of Abbreviations
List of Tables
List of Figures
Bibliography
Index

Extent: 416 pages
Binding: Hardback
Publication Date: January 2006
ISBN: 978-3-540-25448-5

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