Novel Space Environment Monitor, Instrument, and Space Mission Concepts

The space debris problem is tackled from observation (space situational awareness), trajectory evolution, and mitigation points of view. 1) A method to identify the size, shape, and rotation features, and to determine the trajectory of known space debris using range Doppler data of MU (Middle and Upper) Radar, RISH, Kyoto Universiry, is investigated with successful observation results. 2) A study to investigate space debris trajectory evolution focusing on objects smaller than 1 cm has been started to shed light on geomagnetic field effects. 3) An on-orbit space debris observing system is studied assuming an optical sensor onboard a satellite. The required specifications of optical sensors and ranges of observable space debris are investigated for application to removal sequence.