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Designing a Satellite to Hunt Small Space Debris

A University of Alaska Fairbanks scientist is participating in a U.S. government effort to design a satellite and instruments capable of detecting space debris as small as 1 centimeter, less than one-half inch. This initiative is crucial, as debris of such size can damage satellites and other spacecraft in low-Earth orbit.

UAF scientist designing satellite to hunt small space debris

The idea behind this project is to equip future satellites, such as those essential for communication systems, with technology designed to prevent collisions with space debris. Current estimations suggest that space debris travels at high speeds, reaching up to 17,500 mph. Notably, a 1-centimeter object traveling at this speed has an impact energy equivalent to that of a small explosive, such as a hand grenade.

Understanding Space Debris

Space debris can take various forms, including:

Defunct satellites
Spent rocket stages
Fragments from collisions
Other human-made objects that no longer serve a purpose

According to UAF Geophysical Institute research professor Paul Bernhardt, his team, alongside colleagues from the University of Calgary in Canada, has devised a method to determine a small object's distance from a satellite or spacecraft as well as the angle of its approach. Bernhardt indicated that this method stems from their discovery that an object in orbit creates waves as it passes through naturally occurring plasma disturbances, known as striations, which align along Earth's magnetic field lines.

Impact of Debris Detection Technology

The potential outcomes of this innovative detection approach are significant:

The ability to steer satellites away from debris paths.
Reduction in the number of collision avoidance actions per satellite operator, such as those undertaken by the Starlink system, which executes over 20,000 of these actions per year.

This new detection method was outlined in a Physics of Plasmas paper published in January, with Bengt Eliasson from the University of Strathclyde serving as the lead author.

**Estimated Space Debris Statistics**
Category	Count	Potentially Dangerous
Debris > 10 cm	34,000	Yes
Debris > 1 cm	900,000	Yes
Debris > 1 mm	100,000,000	No

Challenges in Tracking Space Debris

The challenge remains substantial because tracking small debris that offers a risk to spacecraft is incomplete. According to reports from the U.S. debris-tracking program, less than 1 percent of debris that could lead to mission-ending damage is currently observed. This void has created heightened interest in tracking small debris, which was previously considered undetectable.

"The whole satellite will be dedicated to detection of space debris too small to be seen from the ground." - Paul Bernhardt

To address these issues, Bernhardt and his team are developing instruments that will utilize their detection methodologies. This emerging technology is crucial in shaping a new frontier in the interplay between human-made objects and the cosmic environment.

Future Directions

As the program continues, researchers are committed to advancing their technology and methods:

Enhancing detection capabilities for previously undetectable debris
Developing new measurement techniques to predict future paths of debris
Collaborating with federal and private entities to streamline debris tracking

The prospect of tracking space debris using Bernhardt's new methods has implications beyond immediate safety. Developing robust and predictive models can profoundly change how space agencies and private companies operate their satellites, leading to safer and more sustainable operations in space.

Conclusion

Through the designed satellite, known as the Space Debris Hunter, there is great potential to transform our understanding and management of space debris. Implementing these strategies enhances not only the safety of current missions but also lays groundwork for future explorations beyond low-Earth orbit.

References

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Satellite Design for Small Space Debris Detection