Growth in the quantity of debris in Space as AN effect of mutual mechanical collisions of various types

Abstract

Estimates are determined of the potential consequences of mutual collisions of dangerous space objects both among themselves and with operating space systems. Research extrapolating the existing objective estimates and supervision of pollution in low Earth orbits shows the probability of catastrophic growth in the number of objects and orbital debris in low orbits leading to the practical impossibility of further peaceful scientific exploration of space. The development of methodologies and technologies regarding the comprehensive investigation of shock impacts on space objects and systems becomes the actual task for the creation of conditions for the safe development of peaceful space explorations. Research involving the collision processes, including the dynamics and associated consequences, developing means and pathways of protection for spaceships, protection of structures and systems from the influence of high-speed objects, means and methods to remove debris from space, and the use of dangerous objects. The technology of measurements with applications in tensometry provides data acquisition concerning the shock impulse in a wide range of collision conditions, and ensuring a physical and constructive variety of the impacting objects is considered.