NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
Low altitude, one centimeter, space debris search at Lincoln Laboratory's (M.I.T.) experimental test systemThe majority of work performed by the Lincoln Laboratory's Space Surveillance Group, at the request of NASA, to define the near-earth population of man-made debris is summarized. Electrooptical devices, each with a 1.2 deg FOV, were employed at the GEODSS facility in New Mexico. Details of the equipment calibration and alignment procedures are discussed, together with implementation of a synchronized time code for computer controlled videotaping of the imagery. Parallax and angular speed data served as bases for distinguishing between man-made debris and meteoroids. The best visibility was obtained in dawn and dusk twilight conditions at elevation ranges of 300-2000 km. Tables are provided of altitudinal density distribution of debris. It is noted that the program also yielded an extensive data base on meteoroid rates.
Document ID
19850057830
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Taff, L. G.
(Massachusetts Inst. of Tech. Cambridge, MA, United States)
Beatty, D. E.
(Massachusetts Inst. of Tech. Cambridge, MA, United States)
Yakutis, A. J.
(Massachusetts Inst. of Tech. Cambridge, MA, United States)
Randall, P. M. S.
(MIT, Lincoln Laboratory, Lexington MA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1985
Publication Information
Publication: Advances in Space Research
Volume: 5
Issue: 2, 19
ISSN: 0273-1177
Subject Category
Astronomy
Accession Number
85A39981
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available