Publication
Taxonomy of LEO space debris population for ADR capture methods selection
Marko Jankovic; Frank Kirchner
In: Stardust Final Conference: Advances in Asteroids and Space Debris Engineering and Science. Stardust Final Conference on Asteroids and Space Debris, October 31 - November 3, Noordwijk, Netherlands, Astrophysics and Space Science Proceedings Series (52), ISBN 978-3-319-69955-4, Springer International Publishing AG, 2/2018.
Abstract
This paper illustrates a novel taxonomy method for LEO space debris
population whose aim is to classify the LEO space debris objects such that it is possible
to identify, safety wise, for each one the most suitable Active Debris Removal
(ADR) capture method. The method is formulated in two distinct layers. In the first
layer, a main class of an object is identified, based on its most prominent dynamical
and physical traits. At this stage identifying the most suited ADR method is still
a difficult task, due to the crude nature of the parameters used for the classification.
The second taxonomic layer is thus performed on top of the first one. In it the
break-up risk index and levels of non-cooperativeness of an object are identified and
the ADR association is refined. Examples of application of the developed taxonomy
are presented at the end of the paper and conclusions are drawn regarding the best
methods to be used for the main categories of LEO space debris under investigation
for future ADR missions.