Collision-Free Mapping of Small Orbital Debris

NASA

Addressing Key Challenges To Mapping Sub-cm Orbital Debris in LEO via Plasma Soliton Detection

Christine HartzellUniversity of Maryland, College Park The proposed investigation will address key technological challenges associated with a previously funded NIAC Phase I award titled “On-Orbit, Collision-Free Mapping of Small Orbital Debris”. Sub-cm orbital debris in LEO is not detectable or trackable using conventional technologies and poses a major hazard to crewed and un-crewed spacecraft. Orbital debris is a concern to…