Space Debris Detection.

Abstract

A feasibility study on the possibility of detecting < or = 10 cm space debris using a large-aperture ground-based telescope (with an intensified CCD detector) was completed, showing that detection should be possible. A detector system was designed and built, and installed on the 2.54 m WRDC telescope at Wright Patterson AFB. Bad seeing conditions in the Dayton area prevented the expected debris detection. Subsequently a small 40 cm telescope was built and operated from the Haystack Observatory (Groton, MA). Known objects were used to test pointing and acquisition procedures, and the system was then shipped to Rattlesnake Observatory (Richland, WA) for participation in the ODERACS debris calibration experiment from the Space Shuttle. This experiment failed, and our instrument has been stored at Rattlesnake in anticipation of a new ODERACs flight in late 1993.

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 23, 1992
Accession Number
ADA269254

Entities

People

  • Robert H. Eather

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acquisition
  • Buildings And Structures
  • Calibration
  • Data Acquisition
  • Debris
  • Detection
  • Detectors
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Ground Based
  • Observatories
  • Research Facilities
  • Space Debris
  • Space Shuttles
  • Telescopes

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Aerospace Research.
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics.
  • Image Processing and Computer Vision.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Satellites
  • Space - Space Objects