The Crowded Sky: Tracking and Avoiding Space Debris

The provided text examines the escalating problem of space debris, defining it as non-functional, human-made objects in Earth's orbit that pose a significant threat to operational satellites. It details the origins and composition of debris, emphasizing the danger posed by untrackable small fragments due to their hypervelocity. The document then explains the Kessler Syndrome, a scenario where collisions create a self-perpetuating cascade of debris, highlighting key historical events that accelerated this issue. Furthermore, the text outlines the global surveillance infrastructure—comprising ground-based radar and optical systems—used for Space Situational Awareness (SSA), contrasting their capabilities and limitations. Finally, it explores the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in enhancing debris detection, improving orbit prediction accuracy, fusing multi-sensor data, and automating collision avoidance maneuvers, underscoring the shift towards decentralized Space Traffic Management (STM) and the ongoing challenges of small debris tracking and active debris removal.

Research done with the help of artificial intelligence, and presented by two AI-generated hosts.