Laser-Based Space Debris Monitoring

Abstract

The extended use of outer space left remarkable amounts of objects uncontrollably orbiting the earth. These objects, hereafter denoted as “space debris”, impose reasonable risk on present space missions, as they hold relative velocities on the order of 10 km/s. Due to their high kinetic energies, objects up from 1 cm size have to be monitored in order to prevent collisions with satellites. For the purpose of accuracy and effectiveness, we present a concept for a laser-based space debris monitoring system. The chosen approach is primarily based on laser ranging of optically non-cooperative targets. The involved physical processes such as optical turbulence, absorption, and scattering are modeled and the results will define the design of a future system. In addition, short range on-ground tracking and ranging will be conducted where downscaling of photon densities simulates the strong signal attenuation and system feasibility will be proven.