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Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)
The innovative approach is to do Doppler shift interferometry with cubesats. This work will explore the viability of the approach through analyisis and simulation.
Current approaches are not effective at detecting and characterizing orbitl debris particles at the 1mm size, although they could be very damaging. Large orbital debris particles are well known but there is little to no data on debris particles 1mm to a few cm in size. Orbital debris particles in this range are assessed as one of the highest risk factors for spacecraft because of their predicted abundance and penetration capacity. Lack of measurements force debris models to rely on extrapolations from measurements of large debris (>3mm) and in-situ measurements of micrometer scaled debris (for instance from space shuttle impacts). This has prompted calls for better characterization of the orbital environment and validation of debris models, particularly of debris 1-3mm in size and at altitudes between 600-1000km.
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This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.
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