FORMULAS FOR THE PHASE CHARACTERISTICS IN THE PROBLEM OF LOW EARTH ORBITAL DEBRIS

Some formulas and relations for estimating the characteristics of the different phases in the problem of debris propagation are suggested. T he methods are based on the assumption of a weak isotropic explosion a s the orbital breakup mechanism. This assumption leads to a simple for mulation of the torus, the apsidal, and the nodal closure times. A cri terion that guarantees the separation of the atmospheric dissipation p hase from the nodal dispersion is suggested as well.