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Observing orbital debris using space-based telescopes. I - Mission orbit considerationsIn this paper, mission orbit considerations are addressed for using the Space Shuttle as a telescope platform for observing man-made orbital debris. Computer modeling of various electrooptical systems predicts that such a space-borne system will be able to detect particles as small as 1-mm diameter. The research is meant to support the development of debris- collision warning sensors through the acquisition of spatial distribution and spectral characteristics for debris and testing of detector combinations on a shuttle-borne telescopic experiment. The technique can also be applied to low-earth-orbit-debris environment monitoring systems. It is shown how the choice of mission orbit, season of launch, and time of day of launch may be employed to provide extended periods of favorable observing conditions.
Document ID
19900033120
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Reynolds, Robert C.
(Lockheed Engineering and Sciences Co. Houston, TX, United States)
Talent, David L.
(Lockheed Engineering and Sciences Co. Houston, TX, United States)
Vilas, Faith
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
August 14, 2013
Publication Date
November 1, 1989
Publication Information
Publication: Astronomical Society of the Pacific, Publications
Volume: 101
ISSN: 0004-6280
Subject Category
Astronautics (General)
Accession Number
90A20175
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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