Orbital rocket stage as space debris: autonomous tracking system for motion monitoring
- Paper number
IAC-09.A6.P.2
- Author
Prof. Igor Belokonov, Samara State Aerospace University, Russia
- Year
2009
- Abstract
Orbital stages of launchers (OSL) execute uncontrolled flight after an output into a reference orbit and separations of payloads. The tracking of OSL motion is needed for definition of the time moment of atmospheric entry. Now the tracking of OSL implements with use of ground measuring centers. In view of limitations of the locations of such centers and the high cost of their utilization, the organization of constant and low-cost monitoring behind OSL motion is difficult. It does not allow estimating operatively prospective impact area of fragments of a stage and to lower risks and damage for the nature and economic activities. In this report the autonomous tracking system (ATS) for launcher orbital stage motion, intended for determination of characteristics its motion (spatial orientation angles, motion parameters) and a current condition of the upper atmosphere density (ballistic coefficient) for increase of motion forecasting accuracy and for specification of the atmospheric entry moment is offered. For efficiency transmission maintenance to the Earth it is offered to use a low-altitude satellite communication system (LSCS) Globalstar and the Internet. Results of flight experiment with ATS prototype, implemented on space vehicle "Foton-M2" are described. The chosen structure of measuring tools (satellite radio navigational receiver and magnetometer) and the developed software allow realizing of launcher orbital stage motion monitoring. Now the possibility of arrangement of ATS at the third stage of the launcher "Soyuz» is investigated
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
(absent)