Ballistic Coefficient Calculation Based on Optical Angle Measurements of Space Debris

Area of Science:

• Space Debris Research
• Orbital Mechanics
• Astrodynamics

Background:

• Atmospheric drag significantly impacts low-orbit space debris trajectory determination and prediction.
• Accurate ballistic coefficients are crucial for precise orbit modeling.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel method for calculating space debris ballistic coefficients using optical angle measurements.
• To enhance the accuracy of space debris orbit determination and prediction.

Main Methods:

• Utilized optical angle measurements from a photoelectric array for space debris with perigee below 1400 km.
• Applied perturbation equations of atmospheric drag to compute semi-major axis variation.
• Estimated ballistic coefficients and compared prediction errors against North American Aerospace Defense Command data.

Main Results:

• The proposed method yielded improved ballistic coefficient estimations.
• A reduction of 18.65% in 48-hour orbit prediction error was achieved compared to existing data.
• The method demonstrated suitability for practical applications in space debris management.

Conclusions:

• The optical angle measurement-based method provides accurate ballistic coefficients for space debris.
• This approach enhances the reliability of space debris orbit prediction.
• The findings support improved space situational awareness and debris mitigation strategies.