A modular 1U detector for In-Situ Monitoring of the sub-millimetric Space Debris Environment

Paper number

IAC-24,A6,IP,25,x89822

Author

Mr. Rok Sesko, Technical University of Munich, Germany

Coauthor

Mr. Allan Gabriel Schweinfurth, Technical University of Munich, Germany

Coauthor

Mr. Paul Pucknus, Technical University of Munich, Germany

Coauthor

Ms. Tianyi You, Technical University of Munich, Germany

Coauthor

Mr. Jonah Merz, Technical University of Munich, Germany

Coauthor

Mr. Ralf Hansen, Technical University of Munich, Germany

Coauthor

Mrs. Ines Terraza Palanca, Technical University of Munich, Germany

Coauthor

Prof. Detlef Koschny, Technical University of Munich, Germany

Coauthor

Prof. Philipp Reiss, Technical University of Munich, Germany

Year

2024

Abstract

The rapid increase in the number of satellites has not only been increasing the risk of direct collision with other satellites but also populating orbits with growing quantities of small particulate debris due to fragmentation events and general degradation of spacecraft surfaces. Characterizing these particles is crucial for validating space debris models, such as ESA's MASTER and NASA's ORDEM models, which must provide current and reliable predictions of present and future debris environments in today's dynamic orbital environment. While bigger ($>$10 cm) objects can be detected through ground-based observation, detection of smaller particles poses a greater difficulty. These must be detected in situ or through space-exposed surfaces returned from orbit. While the latter was used previously for the validation of the debris models, they only captured impacts between 1984 and 2002 in a limited range of altitudes and inclinations (Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF), Hubble Space Telescope Service Missions, European Retrievable Carrier (EuReCa)). In-situ detection methods have not been applied widely yet, but missions such as DEBIE and APID/ADLER, have proven the feasibility of such sensors.

This work presents the predicted detection rate of a 1U demonstrator of the DEbris Density and Retrieval Analysis (DEDRA) sub-millimetric space debris and micrometeoroid sensor based on new simulations considering the sensor performance and latest debris models. DEDRA builds upon the previously flown impact-ionization detectors, Munich Dust Counter and Mars Dust Counter. The mission aims to demonstrate the detection and characterization of particle speed and mass in LEO with an increased awareness of critical noise phenomena experienced on previously flown sensors. A 1U technology demonstration will provide a stepping stone for future missions, with an increased cumulative detector area consisting of multiple units for higher detection rates or an increased temporal and spatial coverage with detectors on multiple missions. This could enable continuous monitoring of the debris environment affected by the still-evolving spacecraft sustainability measures.

Abstract document

IAC-24,A6,IP,25,x89822.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-24,A6,IP,25,x89822.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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