A Model for Evaluation of Satellite Population Management Alternatives.

Abstract

A Q-GERT model was developed to simulate the satellite environment, including the untracked man-made population, and to calculate a probability of collison for any satellite of interest. Provision for launches, explosions, collisions (including ASAT), retrieval, reposition, and decay was made. The model is structured to easily vary the rates at which these activities occur and to observe changes in the satellite population through which a satellite of interest must travel. Variance of the rates, and the resultant change in probability of collision allows evaluation of satellite population management alternatives such as reducing launch rates or increasing retrieval of spent, but still capable of exploding, satellites. The model is proposed for use by both the USAF SPACE COMMAND and NASA.

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1983
Accession Number
ADA136886

Entities

People

  • R. E. Penny Jr.
  • R. K. Jones

Organizations

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artificial Satellites
  • Collisions
  • Environment
  • Explosions
  • Probability
  • Test And Evaluation

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Computational Modeling and Simulation
  • Logistics and Supply Chain Management.
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Orbital Debris