US scientists to detect tiny 1 cm-long ‘grenades’ with Space Debris Hunter satellite – Interesting Engineering

The satellite data could help determine the tiny space junk’s distance, angle of approach, and trajectory. 2 days ago2 days ago2 days ago3 days ago3 days ago3 days ago3 days ago4 days ago4 days ago4 days ago10 hours ago11 hours ago12 hours ago12 hours ago14 hours ago14 hours ago15 hours ago15 hours ago16 hours ago17 hours agoMrigakshi DixitEarth’s orbit is becoming dangerously cluttered with space debris. iStock

 Earth’s orbit is becoming dangerously cluttered with space debris, which poses a threat to satellites and space infrastructure.Millions of tiny objects, invisible to the current tracking systems, are hurtling through orbit at incredible speeds of about 17,500 mph. At that speed, even a tiny object of just a 1-centimeter carries the same destructive force as a hand grenade.These hidden debris threaten satellites, which are vital for communication, GPS, and weather prediction. University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) experts are creating a specialized satellite — dubbed Space Debris Hunter — to solve the problem of undetected, dangerous space debris. Interestingly, this satellite could be capable of detecting debris down to one centimeter (less than one-half inch) in size. “The whole satellite will be dedicated to the detection of space debris too small to be seen from the ground,” said Professor Paul Bernhardt from UAF.A wide range of human-made objects, including old satellites, spent rocket stages, and collision debris, make up the diverse landscape of space junk.The Earth’s orbit is littered with an estimated 100 million pieces of space debris exceeding 1 millimeter in size, according to the U.S. debris-tracking program. However, a gap exists in the ability to monitor these objects. Alarmingly, less than one percent of the debris is currently tracked.Many pieces of space debris are too small to be tracked from Earth. This is why a satellite specifically designed for debris detection is crucial.Bernhardt collaborated with the University of Calgary to develop a technique to calculate the distance and approach angle of small space objects relative to satellites or spacecraft.The method relies on the fact that orbiting objects generate detectable waves when they move through plasma striations, which are natural disturbances along Earth’s magnetic field lines.Researchers can determine the object’s distance, angle of approach, and trajectory by analyzing these patterns. ​​The team is building the instruments to utilize their detection method and designing the Space Debris Hunter satellite to carry them for testing.The Space Debris Hunter will be equipped with specialized sensors that measure both electric and magnetic wave fields.These sensors detect the signals emanating from the passing debris. Another sensor records changes in signal frequency. When the measurements are combined, scientists can pinpoint the debris’s location and predict its future path.“Several measurements of this type are sufficient to predict the future path of the debris. That’s the new science we’re exploring,” added Bernhardt.With precise tracking, satellites can be maneuvered to avoid potential impacts and reduce the risk of damage.This capability is particularly important given the increasing number of objects in orbit. As per the press release, companies like Starlink already perform over 20,000 collision avoidance maneuvers each year.Damage caused by space debris can disrupt critical services and cost billions of dollars.The details about the debris detection method were reported in the journal Physics of Plasmas.Mrigakshi Dixit Mrigakshi is a science journalist who enjoys writing about space exploration, biology, and technological innovations. Her work has been featured in well-known publications including Nature India, Supercluster, The Weather Channel and Astronomy magazine. If you have pitches in mind, please do not hesitate to email her.Stay up-to-date on engineering, tech, space, and science news with The Blueprint.By clicking sign up, you confirm that you accept this site’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy2 days ago2 days ago2 days ago2 days agoPremiumIE PROFollow

Source: https://interestingengineering.com/space/satellite-to-detect-1cm-debris