Orbital debris hazard assessment methodologies for satellite constellations

David B. Spencer, K. Kim Luu, W. Spencer Campbell, Marion E. Sorge, Alan B. Jenkin

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

The expected proliferation of satellite constellations in the near future will tax the space environment in several ways. The many steps used to assess hazards posed to or by a satellite constellation are illustrated. Two categories of environmental impacts are examined: the effects of the constellations on the space debris environment and the effects of the environment on the satellite constellations. Issues such as intersatellite collision hazards for both controlled and uncontrolled spacecraft, intrasatellite constellation collision hazard (collision risks between members of a constellation), and collision risk between constellation members and the cataloged and uncataloged space population are included. Additional analysis of compliance issues with national space policy, voluntary national debris mitigation guidelines, and international concerns are also addressed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)120-125
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Spacecraft and Rockets
Volume38
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2001

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Space and Planetary Science

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