Development of a framework for orbital collision avoidance

Effective systems engineering approaches to actively mitigate orbital collisions of spacecraft and assess the resultant impact are not mature. As the number of spacecraft and density of orbital debris will increase over time, it is logical to expect that all aspects of orbital debris and orbital collisions resulting from debris should be considered for feasible mitigation. The purpose of this dissertation is to develop a framework that employs debris collision avoidance.; A logical and systematic approach to the development of Collision Avoidance Framework (CAF) is proposed, demonstrated, verified and validated. The approach consisted of soliciting collision avoidance-related objectives and priorities from an expert group. The results of the solicitation were documented and incorporated into two different frameworks—one for the case of debris impacting a spacecraft, and the other for the case of a spacecraft impacting another spacecraft.; The CAF was sent to an expanded expert committee consisting of spacecraft operators, as well as US Government and private industry consultants. In addition to evaluating the CAF, the experts provided feedback on additional collision mitigation techniques they employ as well as the feasibility of implementing the CAF.; Actual parameters associated with the collision avoidance decisionmaking process and resultant maneuver that the International Space Station (ISS) undertook on 26 October 1999 are used to validate the CAF. Although the CAF contains financial parameters that were not incorporated into ISS’ decision to avoid collisions, the CAF contains the decisionmaking elements that were embodied in the ISS process.; The experts from both the US Government and private industry asserted that the CAF includes all of the critical elements for making a decision. The utility of CAF lies in its use as a planning aid for investigating “what if” scenarios to ascertain if a maneuver should be executed and to explore the operational and cost implications of such an action. The utility and importance of the CAF can be expected to increase as the number of spacecraft and space debris continues to increase year by year.