Optical observations of the orbital debris environment

The Air Force Phillips Laboratory (PL) is tasked by Air Force Space Command to characterize the orbital debris environment. Part of this task is to search for and detect debris using the optical facilities at the PL Air Force Maui Optical Station (AMOS), which is located at the Maui Space Surveillance Site (MSSS). The goals of the program are discussed, with emphasis on the detection program. This includes telescopes and sensors available, how they are used, and handoffs from one sensor to another. Results of this correlation, as well as conclusions on the orbital debris environment, are presented.