Space Debris : Hazard Evaluation and Debris

Man's space activity has led to the formation of "space debris": manmade objects and their fragments launched into space, currently inactive and no longer serving any useful purpose. This title introduces concepts related to the problems of space ecology.

When the first sputnik was launched and the space era began, few gave thought to the possible negative impact of putting satellites into orbit. In fact, man''s space activity has led to the formation of a new media named "space debris," i.e. man-made objects and their fragments launched into space, currently inactive and no longer serving any useful purpose. Space Debris: Hazard Evaluation and Mitigation will appeal to readers unfamiliar with the issues, as well as experts and designers. It introduces concepts behind the problems of space ecology. The volume features actual data on the space debris environment; new mathematical models for space debris evolution, production and self-production; description of the existing software and concepts for shield design. The author also reviews methods of collision risk assessment, including the attitudes and inclinations of orbits, collision hazard evaluation and suggestions for preventative measures.