Space debris tracking and mitigation

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The course will introduce the problem of space debris and associated aspects, such as how to detect it, how to avoid it, and potentially how to remove it. The contents of the course will be presented in a hybrid format, i.e., a combination of classical lectures and working lectures, where the students can practise with the introduced material, tools and techniques. The course content is roughly split into two parts. The first half of the course will introduce the problem of space debris: how much is out there, how large and heavy is it, where does it come from, and what kind of problems does it pose. Having identified the problems for the safe operation of space, the focus shifts to how we can predict potential collisions and how we can avoid those. Finally, how can the larger chunks of space debris be removed (Active Debris Removal), and if the debris enters the atmosphere and does not fully burn up: where will it impact on earth.

The second part focuses on the observation and estimation of space objects in general, and space debris in particular. The students will learn about different sensors that can be used, either ground-based or space-based, the accuracy of measurements, and how this will affect the estimation process. Linear and nonlinear estimation techniques will be discussed, with application to determine translational state vectors, characterise physical parameters, and detect manoeuvres of space objects. The course will further consider methods of sensor management and data fusion.