Exploring the relationship between the growing number of satellites and space debris in low earth orbit, and people's perception of space debris environmental impacts

The rapid increase of satellite deployments to Earth orbits is causing an increase to the numbers of space debris and inactive satellites in Earth's orbits which poses a growing threat of orbital collisions. Orbital collisions can trigger a domino effect, known as the Kessler syndrome, which can cause uncontrolled continuous orbital collisions. This research utilizes documented data on approximately 65,000 Anthropogenic Space Objects in Earth's orbit dating from the first ASO launched in 1957 to April 1st, 2022. The research study provides a comprehensive analysis of all monitored ASOs in Earth's orbit by presenting and exploring the current state of space debris and the relationship to the active satellites in Earth's orbit. The findings of this study will contribute to ongoing efforts to address the challenges of space debris, uncontrolled reentry, and orbital impacts, and promote a sustainable space environment.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Author dc:creator

• Bogari, Muin

Contributors dc:contributor

• Kim, Seong Dae
• Campbell, Curtis Coker; Abrha, Wolday D.
• College of Engineering and Computer Science

• Artificial satellites—Orbital lifetimes
• Space debris

Licence

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Language dc:language

English, eng

Repository record dc:identifier

https://scholar.utc.edu/theses/804

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholar.utc.edu:theses-1988