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New method for estimating low-earth-orbit collision probabilitiesAn unconventional but general method is described for estimating the probability of collision between an earth-orbiting spacecraft and orbital debris. This method uses a Monte Caralo simulation of the orbital motion of the target spacecraft and each discrete debris object to generate an empirical set of distances, each distance representing the separation between the spacecraft and the nearest debris object at random times. Using concepts from the asymptotic theory of extreme order statistics, an analytical density function is fitted to this set of minimum distances. From this function, it is possible to generate realistic collision estimates for the spacecraft.
Document ID
19910058015
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Vedder, John D.
(McDonnell-Douglas Space Systems Co. Houston, TX, United States)
Tabor, Jill L.
(McDonnell Douglas Space Systems Co. Houston, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
August 15, 2013
Publication Date
April 1, 1991
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets
Volume: 28
ISSN: 0022-4650
Subject Category
Astrodynamics
Accession Number
91A42638
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS9-17650
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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