To combat the growing threat of undetected space debris, a UAF scientist is spearheading a project to design a “Space Debris Hunter” satellite. This initiative aims to track objects as small as one centimetre, safeguarding vital satellite infrastructure
A groundbreaking project led by a University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) scientist aims to revolutionise space debris detection. In a significant step towards safeguarding vital satellite infrastructure, researchers are developing a satellite capable of tracking debris as small as one centimetre, a feat currently beyond the reach of ground-based systems. This initiative, part of a broader U.S. government effort, promises to mitigate the growing threat posed by these high-speed projectiles, which can inflict catastrophic damage on orbiting spacecraft.
Tracking unseen projectiles
Space, once a vast and seemingly empty frontier, is now littered with a dangerous accumulation of human-made debris. This debris, ranging from defunct satellites and rocket fragments to smaller, undetected particles, travels at staggering speeds of approximately 17,500 miles per hour.
At such velocities, even a one-centimetre object possesses the destructive power of a hand grenade, posing a significant risk to operational satellites. The inability to track debris of this size from Earth leaves a critical vulnerability in our space-based infrastructure.
Harnessing plasma waves for detection
UAF Geophysical Institute research professor Paul Bernhardt and his colleagues at the University of Calgary have developed an innovative method to pinpoint the location of these small debris particles. Their approach leverages the interaction between orbiting objects and naturally occurring plasma disturbances, known as striations, along Earth’s magnetic field lines. As debris passes through these plasma regions, it generates detectable waves. By analyzing these waves, researchers can determine the object’s distance and approach angle.
The “Space Debris Hunter” Satellite
To test this novel detection method, Bernhardt is designing a dedicated satellite, aptly named the “Space Debris Hunter.” This satellite will be equipped with specialized instruments capable of measuring electric and magnetic wave fields, enabling the detection of signals emitted by space debris.
Additionally, a separate sensor will record changes in signal frequency over time, providing crucial data for determining the debris’s trajectory. “The whole satellite will be dedicated to detection of space debris too small to be seen from the ground,” Bernhardt explained.
Predicting and avoiding collisions
The satellite’s onboard sensors will simultaneously measure electric and magnetic wave fields to detect signals emanating from space debris. The frequency changes of these signals are then analysed to determine the direction and distance of the object. “Several measurements of this type are sufficient to predict the future path of the debris,” Bernhardt said. This predictive capability will allow satellite operators to take proactive measures, such as steering their spacecraft away from potential collisions. This is especially important as the number of satellites in orbit grows. For example, operators of the Starlink system already perform tens of thousands of collision avoidance manoeuvres annually.
Collaborative effort and future implications
This research, detailed in a recent paper published in Physics of Plasmas, is part of a collaborative effort supported by the U.S. government, specifically the Office of the Director of National Intelligence’s Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA). The project, conducted in partnership with contractor Blue Halo, addresses the urgent need to track and mitigate the risks associated with small space debris.
The IARPA Space Debris Identification and Tracking program highlights that while over 100 million objects larger than one-millimeter orbit Earth, less than one per cent of mission-ending debris is currently tracked. This initiative aims to bridge this critical gap.
The successful deployment of the “Space Debris Hunter” and the validation of this detection method could significantly enhance our ability to safeguard vital space assets. By accurately tracking and predicting the paths of small debris, this technology will contribute to a safer and more sustainable space environment for future generations.
