// ORBITAL LOGISTICS AND PROPULSION TERM
Debris Tracking
The continuous monitoring and cataloging of space junk, such as defunct satellites and rocket fragments, to predict potential collisions with operational spacecraft.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Debris tracking involves the continuous observation, cataloging, and orbital prediction of space debris (e.g., defunct satellites, rocket stages, fragmentation products) by ground-based radar and optical telescopes to assess collision risk for active spacecraft and inform collision avoidance maneuvers.
BACKGROUND
Space debris are defunct human-made objects in space – principally in Earth orbit – which no longer serve a useful function. These include derelict spacecraft, mission-related debris, and fragmentation debris from the breakup of derelict rocket bodies and spacecraft. In addition to derelict human-made objects left in orbit, space debris includes fragments from disintegration, erosion, or collisions; solidified liquids expelled from spacecraft; unburned particles from solid rocket motors; and even paint flecks. Space debris represents a risk to spacecraft.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Space junk monitoring
- Orbital debris tracking
- SSA (Space Situational Awareness)
- Collision avoidance
USAGE NOTE
Debris tracking is essential for protecting the International Space Station from potential impacts.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Debris Tracking.
LeoLabs is a leading commercial provider of space situational awareness (SSA) services, utilizing a global network of radars to track objects, including space debris, in low Earth orbit (LEO) and provide collision avoidance warnings.
ExoAnalytic Solutions operates a global network of over 300 ground-based optical telescopes to provide real-time, persistent space situational awareness (SSA) data, including tracking space debris and satellites.
ESA's Space Debris Office is at the forefront of research and development in space debris surveillance, modeling, risk assessment, and mitigation techniques, contributing to technologies for tracking and characterizing debris.
The 18th Space Defense Squadron, under the US Space Force, is responsible for maintaining the Space Catalog, which includes tracking all man-made objects in orbit, from active satellites to space debris, using the Space Surveillance Network.
Northrop Grumman develops advanced space domain awareness capabilities, including sensors, ground systems, and software for tracking and identifying objects in orbit, which encompasses space debris.
Numerica specializes in advanced optical and radar processing solutions for space situational awareness, providing capabilities for precise tracking and characterization of objects in orbit, including space debris.
While primarily focused on active debris removal and on-orbit servicing, Astroscale develops highly precise proximity operations and rendezvous technologies which require advanced and accurate debris tracking capabilities for successful capture and removal.
ClearSpace is developing technologies for active space debris removal missions. A critical component of their approach involves precise tracking and characterization of defunct objects to enable safe and effective capture.