Determination of debris sizes and masses using radar and optical data

This paper proposes a methodology for combining optical and radar observations to determine material types of debris objects. Determining the material types of debris objects will in turn allow more accurate estimates of the sizes and masses of debris objects. In order to estimate the capabilities of this technique, simulated optical and radar data is used to determine the material types and object sizes of simulated debris objects. Laboratory test data measuring the radar and optical responses of several common spacecraft materials are presented and are used in the simulations. Albedo data and a set of radar response curves for several materials commonly used in spacecraft construction are presented. The capabilities of this method are discussed, and conclusions are reached.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.