Optical surveys for space debris |
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| Authors: | Thomas Schildknecht |
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| Institution: | (1) Astronomical Institute of the University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland |
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| Abstract: | Space debris—man-made non-functional objects of all sizes in near-Earth space—has been recognized as an increasing threat
for current and future space operations. The debris population in near-Earth space has therefore been extensively studied
during the last decade. Information on objects at altitudes higher than about 2,000 km is, however, still comparatively sparse.
Debris in this region is best detected by surveys utilizing optical telescopes. Moreover, the instruments and the applied
observation techniques, as well as the processing methods, have many similarities with those used in optical surveys for ‘astronomical’
objects like near-Earth objects (NEOs).
The present article gives a general introduction to the problem of space debris, presents the used observation and processing
techniques emphasizing the similarities and differences compared to optical surveys for NEOs, and reviews the results from
optical surveys for space debris in high-altitude Earth orbits. Predictions on the influence of space debris on the future
of space research and space astronomy in particular are reported as well. |
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| Keywords: | Astrometry Celestial mechanics Minor planets Asteroids Methods: Observational Techniques: Miscellaneous Surveys |
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