Searching the Lost Fragments

Paper number

IAC-05-B6.P.02

Author

Mr. Hitoshi Ikeda, Kyushu University, Japan

Coauthor

Prof. Toshiya Hanada, Kyushu University, Japan

Coauthor

Prof. Tetsuo Yasaka, Kyushu University, Japan

Year

2005

Abstract

This paper tries to search the lost fragments from the near-synchronous US TitanIIIC transtage explosion of February 21st, 1992, known as the second major fragmentation of a TitanIIIC transtage. This transtage had released ERS-28 (also known as OV5-2) in synchronous orbit, before slightly decelerated and released OV2-5 into a slightly lower orbit. This upper stage successfully completed its mission and remained on orbit 281 months before the breakup. The breakup was accidentally observed by the Maui GEODSS sensor, and then a total of 23 objects were reported from the breakup, no orbital data on any fragments has been generated by the SSN. 
In order to evaluate debris clouds orbital evolution, we demonstrated actual US TitanIIIC transtage explosion by using breakup model and orbit propagator. Perturbing accelerations, considered in this analysis are non-spherical part of the Earth’s gravitational attraction, gravitational attraction due to the Sun and Moon, and solar pressure effects.  
Finally, we will present a search strategy based on distribution of right ascension of the ascending node about catalogued objects and debris particles from TitanIIIC explosion. In addition, we are preparing to implement optical observation from Mt. Nyukasa to examine the effectiveness of this strategy. This facility is an optical observation site, which Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) possesses in Nagano Prefecture.

Abstract document

IAC-05-B6.P.02.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-05-B6.P.02.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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