How to Improve Small Satellite Missions in Two Easy Steps: Adopting Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines and Improving Space Surveillance Network Tracking Support

Of the many unique challenges faced by small satellite missions, there are two areas that may be enhanced1) launch and on-orbit tracking, and 2) debris mitigation. Launch and on-orbit tracking can be improved through greater cooperation with the Space Surveillance Network (SSN). The accuracy and timeliness of “NORAD two-line elements” is dependent on a variety of factors that are complicated by the satellites’ small size. This becomes more of an issue with multiple payload launches because object correlation is problematic. Recent launches, including the Student Space Exploration and Technology Initiative (SSETI) multi-payload small satellite launch in October 2005, have demonstrated the cooperation and data exchange between SSN personnel and satellite operators can greatly enhance the accuracy, timeliness, and overall utility of two-line element sets. Not only is this beneficial for the SSN, but is often critically important to satellite operators and other users of mission data to assist their tracking and anomaly resolution. Space debris issues can be reduced through the implementation of standard mitigation guidelines. As the space population continues to grow, concerns have developed, both in the United States and in the international space community, about the amount of added space debris, which may already be approaching a problematic quantity. The risks of collisions between space objects have increased, and will continue to increase, as the population grows. There have already been at least three documented collisions of satellites in orbit, one of which involved an operational small satellite (Cerise in 1996). As a reflection of the growing concern with the increasing space population the US and other space-faring countries have adopted voluntary debris mitigation guidelines, and small satellite operators should be aware of these guidelines. Improving communication and data exchange with the SSN, while implementing debris mitigation guidelines, will benefit small satellite operators by increasing accuracy and timeliness of two-line elements while improving the orbital safety for all users of the space environment