Mr
Jaime Quesada Manas
(TU Delft)
Currently, debris models are the main relying method for mission planning, however it is still unclear how to provide with a continuous feed to further validate these models, especially for space debris, as micrometeoroids are probabilistically approached. Model validation is key to slow down the Kessler syndrome. One way to accomplish it, is by setting a local in-situ debris detector in the orbit of interest, providing with proper debris feed. Here, the focus of the research is centred on a hypothetical mission on a sun-synchronous LEO, which is set to encounter and detect small particle debris on the size range of 100mm to 10mm inside a 1km radius sphere. The analysed instrument is a mm-wavelength radar mounted on board of the spacecraft. In order to accomplish it, certain radar parameters are to be looked into: power, beam size ideal frequency, and waveform. These are to be derived from a bottom-top theoretical approach. Starting by a close look into the frequency-normalized radar cross-section relation, providing a confirmation of the ideal frequency, found to be 39GHz, and wavelength. Afterwards, the consequences of the frequency on other radar parameters are briefly sketched, leading to an analysis of the waveform and its implications, resulting in an easy-to-use Continuous Wave (CW)-waveform radar. Results concerning probability of detection and false detection will be presented for several trade-offs between mission accomplishments and physical constraints. Once all the radar involved parameters and options were decided upon, use was made of ESA’s Program for Radar and Optical Observations Forecasting (PROOF) to compare the theoretical detection results to this ESA’s model. Finally, results and evolution of capability and quality of mission accomplishment will be provided.
Summary
The increase in near-Earth space occupation during the last decades has come along the appearance of a large number of uncatalogued hazardous debris. Large debris particles can be detected from Earth by either large radars or telescopes. However, small-sized debris cannot be reliably tracked from Earth and can only be detected in-situ. In this paper, a first look is taken into designing a space-based radar which can detect particles debris in a size range of 1 to 10 cm with a mm-wavelength radar in a sun-synchronous LEO orbit for a máximum distance of 1 km. Through a theoretical approach, the frequency, most suitable waveform, power and antenna parameters are sized. With the help of ESA’s MASTER and PROOF, the most suitable orbit is chosen and the radar is ran for a period of a year in a future orbit in 2019. Results are presented on the quality of detection with respect to diameter and range of the debris.
Mr
Jaime Quesada Manas
(TU Delft)
Dr
Alessandra Menicucci
(ESA/ESTEC)
