Random collisions between made-made objects in earth orbit will lead to a significant source of orbital debris, but there are a number of uncertainties in these models, and additional analysis and data are required to fully characterize the future environment. However, the nature of these uncertainties are such that while the future environment is uncertain, the fact that collisions will control the future environment is less uncertain. The data that already exist is sufficient to show that cascading collisions will control the future debris environment with no, or very minor increases in the current low-earth-orbit population. Two populations control this process: explosion fragments and expended rocket bodies and payloads. Practices are already changing to limit explosions in low earth orbit; it is necessary to begin limiting the number of expended rocket bodies and payloads in orbit.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Collisional cascading - The limits of population growth in low earth orbit


    Contributors:

    Published in:

    Publication date :

    1991-01-01



    Type of media :

    Miscellaneous


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English





    Early detection of collisional cascading

    Potter, A. E. / European Space Agency | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1993


    The Long-Term Evolution of Orbital Debris: New Findings Concerning Collisional Cascading

    Bendisch, J. / Rex, D. / International Academy of Astronautics | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1997


    The Long-Term Evolution of Orbital Debris - New Findings concerning Collisional Cascading -

    Bendisch, J. / Rex, D. / International Astronautical Federation | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1995


    THE TRACKABLE DEBRIS POPULATION IN LOW EARTH ORBIT

    Crowther, R. | Online Contents | 1994