Size estimation of space debris models from their RCS measured in anechoic chamber

Space debris characterization is becoming increasingly important in the framework of Space Situational Awarenees (SSA). In fact, the uncontrolled multiplication of orbital debris has been statistically quantified around 130 million objects. It is therefore instrumental to take actions to protect operational spacecraft and human activities in space. Since years, NASA has been working to this end and has developed an RCS-to-size mapping function, known as Size Estimation Model (SEM). In this paper, RCS data acquired during a measurement campaign in an anechoic chamber has been used to derive a similar function. A comparison of the size estimated by using both models is shown in this paper.