Feasibility study of space debris detection by small optical telescopes

Abstract

Space debris is a currently increasing aerospace problem. Several organizations and space agencies put a great effort in time and resources for their detection and follow up. However, given the overwhelming number of space junk debris and the great variety of sizes, it surpasses the capabilities of any particular project. Small optical telescopes, such as the Joan Or¿o Telescope at the Montsec Astronomical Facilities and JAST80 at the Jalavalambre Observatory may contribute to alleviate this problem. In this thesis, an initial general review of space debris detection is presented, especially focused on the detection and observation with small optical telescopes. Then, with the use of open software, ORDEM 3.1 from NASA, a set of simulations is performed in order to reproduce the observable characteristics of space debris, such as different orbital parameters, debris sizes and configurations. These simulations are adapted to the Joan Or¿o Telescope, at the Parc Observatori de Montsec and the JAST80, at the Observatorio Astronomico de Javalambre, in order to elucidate the possibility of observing such objects. The study is done using two types of coordinate systems for observations: equatorial and altazimuth, both implemented in Montsec and Javalambre. To check the viability of the thesis, our results are compared to those from real studies that have been done with optical telescope, particularly the Zimmerwald telescope for GEO debris, and Mt. Haleakala and Diego Garcia island telescopes for LEO debris. Finally, as main results we can point out that equatorial coordinates system presents the capability of detecting brightest objects, specifically in Montsec. On the other hand, altazimuth coordinate system shows the possibility of detecting faintest objects and in particular in Javalambre observatory. The detectable objects will range from tiny objects (1 cm) to large objects (more than 1 m of diameter).