Analysis of Damage Probability for Collision Between Space Debris and a Satellite in Low-Earth Orbit

Abstract

Space environment becomes more hazardous for satellite because of increasing number of space debris. This research is to analyze collision hazards between KOMPSAT 3 in low-earth orbit and space debris generated by the explosion of FengYun satellite on the January 11, 2007. Based on the observed data of the space debris from FengYun satellite, the mass and number distribution of the debris are estimated including undetectable debris from the explosion of FengYun satellite. The spatial density and flux for the space debris can be calculated according to size. This study also brings out the analysis for the assessment of collision probability and damage probability. The algorithm developed in the current paper can be used to estimate the level of risk due to space debris for the satellites that will be launched in the future.

Keywords

• COMS
• antenna pointing
• space debris
• collision probability
• satellite damage