Abstract:
Space debris poses a problem for active satellites. The implementation of mitigation measures minimises the potential for on-orbit internal break-ups, prevents collisions, and ensures safe disposal after the mission is completed. With the Zero Debris approach, ESA updated its space debris mitigation requirements and standards that govern how the Agency's missions are designed, built, flown, and disposed of. The new standard also includes requirements on dark and quiet skies to minimise the impact of satellites on optical and radio astronomy.
The talk will give an overview on the work of ESA's Space Debris Office, introduce the new Zero Debris requirements and discuss how we intend to verify the compliance for ESA missions. The focus will be on dark and quiet skies, operational satellite collision avoidance, and space surveillance and tracking.
Bio:
Jan Siminski worked on measurement association and orbit determination as part of his PhD research at the German Space Operation Center in support of the build-up of an optical surveillance network. He joined ESA's Space Debris Office in 2015, where he is managing Space Safety research and development activities, e.g. on observation systems design, observation processing, and collision avoidance automation.