Debris families observed by the haystack orbital debris radar

Abstract

The Haystack radar provides a unique capability to observe and monitor the orbital debris environment in low-Earth orbit for debris sizes down to less than 1 cm in diameter. Recent changes in the observation geometry of the Haystack radar have greatly enhanced the capability of the radar in separating debris objects into orbit families. Using this capability, it is possible to identify specific families of debris based on inclination and altitude regimes. The radar measurements can then be used to obtain size distributions and polarization characteristics of the debris in the families. Using this method, one previously unrecognized debris family in 65° inclination circular orbits between 850 and 1000 km altitude has been tentatively identified as the leaking sodium–potassium coolant from Russian RORSAT reactors. Debris from specific breakups have also been identified, such as from the breakups of Cosmos 1275 and Cosmos 1484. This ability to assign some debris objects to specific sources opens up new possibilities in studying the nature and causes of breakup events.