ESTIMATION OF THE LOW-EARTH-ORBIT DEBRIS POPULATION AND DISTRIBUTION

In this paper an algorithm for estimating the low-Earth-orbit space ob ject population and distribution from measurements taken by a vertical , staring narrow beam radar is developed and validated. The radar meas ures the altitude, inclination, and radar cross section of each object which passes through the beam. Validation of the algorithm is achieve d by simulating the orbits of the objects in the North American Aerosp ace Defense Command (NORAD) data base, determining those which pass th rough a vertical staring radar and by estimating the population and di stribution of the NORAD data base from the altitude, inclination, and radar cross section of those which pass through. The effects of the as sumptions made in developing the algorithm and measurement errors are discussed. An estimate of the operational time of the radar needed to achieve a specified accuracy in the space object population is also de veloped.