In this presentation we shall review NASA Orbital Debris Engineering Model (ORDEM) scope, intended use, and version history; development of the latest version, v. 3.1; provide a current development status; and discuss current deployment plans. We will also place ORDEM in context with other NASA and US models as well as the ESA MASTER model, ORDEMs closest analogue model

Anz-Meador, P.

Manis, A.

Matney, M.

NASA Technical Reports Server

ORDEM 3.1 Development Status 
P. Anz-Meador1, A. Manis2, and M. Matney3 
1Jacobs, 2224 Bay Area Blvd., Houston, TX  77058, 2HX5-Jacobs JETS Contract, 2224 Bay Area Blvd., 
Houston, TX  77058, 3NASA Johnson Space Center, Mail Code XI4-9E, Houston, TX  77058 
 
ABSTRACT 
In this presentation we shall review NASA Orbital Debris Engineering Model (ORDEM) scope, intended 
use, and version history; development of the latest version, v. 3.1; provide a current development 
status; and discuss current deployment plans.  We will also place ORDEM in context with other NASA 
and US models as well as the ESA MASTER model, ORDEM’s closest analogue model. 
Like its predecessor ORDEM 3.0, ORDEM 3.1 is data-driven.  Small particles in and transiting low Earth 
orbit (LEO), roughly less than three mm characteristic sizes, are dependent upon in situ measurements 
for their detection, assessment, and characterization.  The US Space Transportation System (STS) orbiter 
vehicle, the Space Shuttle, provided the in situ environmental component for ORDEM 3.0 via analysis of 
its windows and radiators and will do so as well for ORDEM 3.1 using enhanced analytical techniques. 
We intend to use information derived from our analysis of the Hubble Space Telescope’s Wide-Field 
Planetary Camera-2 (WFPC-2) radiator’s cratering record to provide validation of the model to the 
greatest degree possible.  Larger LEO particles, fragments, and intact objects are characterized using 
data from the Haystack Ultrawideband Satellite Imaging Radar (HUSIR), formerly Haystack, and Haystack 
Auxiliary Radar (HAX) to (effectively) sizes of 10 cm.  Objects larger than approximately 10 cm in LEO are 
characterized for modeling purposes using the US Space Surveillance Network catalog and its associated 
Radar Cross Section catalog.  Finally, objects in Geosynchronous Orbit (GEO) are characterized using 
data collected by the Michigan Orbital Debris Survey Telescope (MODEST) in campaigns spanning 2004-
2009; validation is provided by 2013-2014 MODEST campaign data.   
Observational data and modeling provide the basis by which statistical inference extends the data into 
un-sampled regions, and establish ORDEM’s populations.  In addition to a background population, 
special populations are separately composed; the most important are the major debris clouds 
associated with the FY-1C, Iridium 33, and Cosmos 2251 debris clouds and the Sodium-Potassium (NaK) 
population resident in LEO.  This presentation shall review our current assessments and findings of these 
ensembles. 
The ORDEM 3.1 model architecture is not modified from its form or function embodied in ORDEM 3.0.  
Major features are modeling the LEO (including elliptical orbits transiting LEO) and GEO environments 
for debris larger than 10 μm and 10 cm respectively; characterizing debris smaller than 10 cm by low, 
medium, or high mass density; output means and associated uncertainties; and providing operational 
modes for both satellite designer and owner/operators (Spacecraft mode) and those planning ground-
based observing campaigns (Telescope mode). 
In conclusion, this presentation shall provide the orbital debris community a summary and current 
status of ORDEM 3.1 and our current schedule for making the model publicly available. 
 
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=20180005198 2019-08-31T14:43:09+00:00Z


ORDEM 3.1 Development Status

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