PROOF - The extension of ESA's MASTER model to predict debris detections

PROOF (Program for Radar and Optical Observation Forecasting) is a modular software tool for the prediction of crossing rates and statistical detectio n characteristics of non-catalogued debris objects for the purpose of debri s model validation, and for the prediction of acquisition times and pass ch aracteristics of catalogued objects. Predictions are possible both for rada r and optical observation systems, and both for groundbased and space-based installations. Altitudes between sub-LEG and super-GEO are considered. The mathematical methods used to describe crossing rates for given sensor char acteristics are presented. Sensor specific system performance models transl ate the crossing rates into detection rates, assuming predefined shape, mat erial and surface properties of the target objects. The Radar Performance M odel determines the detection probability for each passing object with resp ect to the objects' range, velocity and radar cross section. The optical ob servation model comprises the properties of the objects like size, shape an d the total reflectance of the surface, etc. A night sky model considers th e background radiation. Simulated debris detection scenarios are discussed. PROOF has been ported to UNIX and PC systems, and to Apple Macintosh syste ms, with all of these using a common, user-friendly graphical user interfac e (GUI). PROOF win be distributed on CD ROM (together with the MASTER Upgra de). (C) 2000 International Astronautical Federation. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.