A Technique for Estimating the Space Debris Density from the Data of Onboard Recording Systems

Abstract

A three-dimensional mathematical model and a program complex for modeling the external effect of small-sized space debris particles on a spacecraft are developed. On the basis of the rectangular contributions method a new technique is developed for restoring the density of small-sized space debris from a small number of recorded debris collisions with recording sensors. From the form of the density function the total number of points having reached the spacecraft surface is restored. The comparative results of modeling are presented.