The Challenge of Orbital Debris

Explore the critical issue of orbital debris in this comprehensive lecture delivered by Mark Matney, Orbital Debris Program Office Modeling Lead, and Russell Graves, SS Orbital Debris Engineer. Delve into the definition and history of orbital debris, examining its impact on space exploration through real-world examples such as the Hubble Space Telescope. Gain insights into the cataloging process, modern spacecraft design considerations, and the challenges posed by orbital velocities. Investigate the legal aspects of space debris management and learn about collision avoidance strategies. Discover the tools used for Environmental Debris Analysis (EDA) and understand the global implications of this growing problem. Through various examples and visual aids, including cartoons, charts, and videos, grasp the complexity of orbital debris and its potential consequences for future space missions.