Space Based Radar To Observe Space Debris

Space debris of 1÷3mm size is known to be hazardous for astronauts and space vehicles. At the same time the possibility to notice such objects by ground based optical and radar devices in the nearest future is rather problematic. Here we propose an idea of space radar for observation of cicumterrestrial space debris. The radar works in short wave part of millimetre band, which is mostly suitable for this purpose. The radar provides detecting and tracking of 1mm size objects within 40000m2 area. The radar antenna is Phased Array Antenna with 2m diameter. The radar\u27s weight is about 100kg, the consumed power - 2.5kW

Program of Small Satellites Application for Observation of Smallsized Fractions of Space Debris

Available ground optic and radar facilities are not capable to observe small sized fragments (less than 10 cm) of space debris, being a serious danger for manned flights safety and long-term automatic space vehicles. New generation of space electrooptic sensors, installed onboard small space vehicles may unable to successfully solve the problem. At present possibilities of electrooptic instruments and small space vehicles for space debris observation are under consideration in Russia. International co-operation program is proposed on creation of a space system for monitoring and warning of a danger of space debris fragments collision with some manned objects