Orbital Evolution Challenge Of High Area-to-mass Objects On Geocentric Orbits - Easy To Find, Easy To Lose

Paper number

IAC-07-A6.1.01

Author

Dr. Vladimir Agapov, Keldysh Institute of Applied Mathematics, RAS, Russia

Coauthor

Dr. Thomas Schildknecht, Astronomical Institute University of Bern (AIUB), Switzerland

Coauthor

Dr. Viktor Stepanyants, Keldysh Institute of Applied Mathematics, RAS, Russia

Coauthor

Dr. Vladimir Titenko, Keldysh Institute of Applied Mathematics, RAS, Russia

Coauthor

Dr. Igor Molotov, Keldysh Institute of Applied Mathematics, RAS, Russia

Year

2007

Abstract

Population of objects having high area-to-mass (AMR) ratio and orbiting 
the Earth on so called GEO-like orbits is one of the most interesting targets for investigation in the recent years. 
Initially discovered by the AIUB team at the ESA Space Debris Telescope these objects raised many questions as for their  origin, nature, properties, orbital evolution and possibility of tracking on a regular basis. Similar objects have been found since that on 'classical' HEO orbits as well.
Several teams of observers and analysts from Russia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan 
and Zwitzerland have joined in order to study these unusual objects in detail. Even at the international level special high AMR objects study campaign have started under the direction of the IADC that created a very good case for joint observation activity.
Attempt to track these objects permanently resulted in discovery of  
pecularities in their orbital motion and forced to make some improvements both in orbital motion model and follow-up observation strategy based on deep study of discrepancy between predicted and real motion discovered.
This paper will present results of the collaborative activity on orbital 
motion study of these faint objects. Examples of real orbit determination and propagation, search startegy, object's recovery and follow-up observations for several dozens of objects discovered by the AIUB and KIAM/CrAO teams will be presented.

Abstract document

IAC-07-A6.1.01.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-07-A6.1.01.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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