Modeling the long-term evolution of space debris
US9586704B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 2, 2013 |
| Grant date | Mar 7, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 15, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG08G9/02
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A space object modeling system that models the evolution of space debris is provided. The modeling system simulates interaction of space objects at simulation times throughout a simulation period. The modeling system includes a propagator that calculates the position of each object at each simulation time based on orbital parameters. The modeling system also includes a collision detector that, for each pair of objects at each simulation time, performs a collision analysis. When the distance between objects satisfies a conjunction criterion, the modeling system calculates a local minimum distance between the pair of objects based on a curve fitting to identify a time of closest approach at the simulation times and calculating the position of the objects at the identified time. When the local minimum distance satisfies a collision criterion, the modeling system models the debris created by the collision of the pair of objects.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.