The Role of Laser Tracking in Obtaining a Debris Catalogue to Protect HST

Ben Greene
EOS

Space debris is one of the worst environmental disasters of the 20th
century.  Even with solid recent compliance with debris reduction protocols,
the population of lethal debris will increase to over 200,000 by 2010.
The decay time for this debris averages 100 years, and even a 1 cm debris
strike will likely disable a satellite. This is a threat to all uses of
space - not least astronomy which seeks larger space-based facilities posing
greater impact risk.

Using facilities comparable in size to the NASA SLR on Maui, EOS can track
debris and provide hazard mitigation to major facilities such as ISS,
shuttle, and HST. HST presents a significant target to orbiting debris, and
future missions may exceed prudent risk profiles unless placed far out in
space. Because the trackers are laser-based, existing functions can be
absorbed into the new technology platform, and space geodesy and geodynamics
are enhanced. e.g. a sub-millimetre laser ranging system that can be used
for space geodynamics has longer term applications in space interferometry
spacing control.

Dr Greene will also expand on EOS-funded astronomy programs, including
current and future telescopes and instruments in Hawaii and elsewhere.

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Dr Ben Greene is Chief Executive Officer of EOS, an Australian-based
aerospace company based in Arizona and Australia.

EOS is a world leader in astronomical telescopes and systems, with
responsibility for projects such as the Keck [Outriggers], MAGNUM, and
Indian 2m.

Another major activity in EOS is laser tracking, and EOS has developed
laser tracking systems that can track space debris using optical
techniques. The new EOS systems introduce autonomous operations from
eye-safe tracking systems providing vast quantities of scientific data.
EOS and the University of Hawaii are contemplating applications of this
technology in Hawaii