On-orbit breakup characteristics

Techniques allowing the user to categorize the cause of an on-orbit fragmentation and to describe the properties of debris fragments in the breakup of a satellite are discussed. These techniques rely upon the examination of radar cross section (RCS) and plane change angle to ascertain the cause of breakup. Additionally, the mass distribution of orbital debris is examined and this technique is applied to a set of 'calibration' satellites of known physical dimensions and mass and to the orbital debris population. The results indicate that for debris size greater than 15 cm the velocity distribution can be fitted to a beta function and shows a much larger range of velocities than used earlier. This function is also dependent on the nature of breakup and, although there is insufficient data to prove it, it is also depends on size. As expected, the results show a general decrease of velocity with debris mass.