What are the best practices for collision avoidance and debris mitigation in SATCOM?

1 Orbit control

Orbit control is the process of maintaining or changing the orbital parameters of a satellite, such as its altitude, inclination, eccentricity, and orientation. Orbit control is necessary to counteract the effects of perturbations, such as atmospheric drag, solar radiation pressure, gravitational anomalies, and thruster misalignment. Orbit control also enables the satellite to perform its mission objectives, such as providing coverage, maintaining links, and avoiding interference.

2 Maneuver types

There are two main types of maneuvers that satellites can perform: impulsive and continuous. Impulsive maneuvers are short-duration thrusts that change the satellite's velocity vector instantaneously. Continuous maneuvers are long-duration thrusts that change the satellite's velocity vector gradually. Impulsive maneuvers are more fuel-efficient but require more precise timing and accuracy. Continuous maneuvers are more flexible but consume more fuel and power.

3 Collision avoidance

Collision avoidance is the process of preventing a satellite from colliding with another space object, such as another satellite, a rocket stage, or a piece of debris. Collision avoidance involves detecting and tracking potential conjunctions, assessing the collision risk, and planning and executing avoidance maneuvers if necessary. Collision avoidance is challenging because of the uncertainties in the orbital data, the limited maneuver capabilities, and the coordination with other operators.

5 Maneuver planning

Maneuver planning is the process of determining the optimal timing, direction, and magnitude of a maneuver to achieve a desired orbital outcome. Maneuver planning involves defining the maneuver objectives, constraints, and criteria, analyzing the orbital dynamics and perturbations, and optimizing the maneuver parameters and performance. Maneuver planning requires sophisticated tools and methods, such as orbit propagators, maneuver models, optimization algorithms, and Monte Carlo simulations.

6 Maneuver execution

Maneuver execution is the process of implementing the planned maneuver on the satellite. Maneuver execution involves commanding the satellite to fire its thrusters, monitoring the maneuver progress and status, and verifying the maneuver results and accuracy. Maneuver execution requires reliable and robust systems and procedures, such as attitude control, propulsion, telemetry, tracking, and control.