QUANTIFYING THE ORBITAL DEBRIS ENVIRONMENT

The orbital debris environment is of increasing concern to users of space. Models describing this environment depend on accurate and precise measurements of debris for all sizes and altitudes. This paper presents the assessment of an environment model, developed by NASA, and the uncertainties of that model. The uncertainties are shown to be dominated by the lack of knowledge of the debris environment. A Phillips Laboratory (Geophysics Directorate) measurement program is described that will enhance man's understanding of the debris environment. It uses the 2.54 m telescope located at Wright Laboratory (Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio).