Detect, Track, and Remediate: The Challenge of Small Space Debris

The purpose of this challenge was to solicit concepts for detecting, tracking, or remediating small debris. For this challenge, small debris is defined as any space object that is between 1 millimeter and 10 centimeters in size. Using a crowdsourcing competition, 11 potential new solutions were identified that will require further investment to determine viability and advance towards a solution. There are no current plans for future implementation. Further development is dependent on availability of funds.
Innovative solutions are urgently needed to detect, characterize, track, or remediate small debris to ensure the safety and sustainability of space operations. This competition invited creative minds from around the world to contribute groundbreaking concepts that address the critical issue of small debris in Earth's low-earth orbit (LEO) environment. Low-Earth orbit (often known as LEO) encompasses Earth-centered orbits with an altitude of 2,000 km or less. Low-Earth orbit is considered the area in Earth orbit near enough to Earth for convenient transportation, communication, observation and resupply. This is the area where the International Space Station currently orbits and where many proposed future platforms will be located. The objective of this challenge was to solicit concepts that offer effective methods for detecting, tracking, characterizing (size, shape, composition), and/or remediating small space debris ranging from 1 millimeter to 10 centimeters in size. The challenge defined these four capabilities in the following way: Detecting - the process of identifying and recognizing the presence of space debris, often using sensors and instruments to detect their existence in orbit. Characterizing - the act of gathering detailed information about space debris, including size, shape, composition, and orbital parameters, to understand their properties and behavior. Tracking - continuously monitoring the position, trajectory, and movement of space debris objects to predict their future paths and assess collision risks. Remediating - remediation of debris is any action to reduce the risks associated with orbital debris by moving, removing, or reusing it. The focus was on scalable solutions that can address a substantial percentage of the small debris population. Participants were encouraged to think creatively, considering technologies, orbits, and operations that may be less explored but have the potential for significant impact.

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