With Low Earth Orbit (LEO) becoming increasingly crowded, satellite operators, space agencies and aerospace companies are facing rising threats from orbital debris. With in excess of 10,000 active satellites in space, alongside an ever accumulating amount of debris, the risk of collisions is escalating, and even small particles – no larger than a grain of sand – pose a serious threat to billion dollar missions, global connectivity, astronaut safety, and the long-term sustainability of space operations. Richard Jacklin, Commercial Lead at Plextek, explores this further…
The invisible threat: Detecting micro-debris in LEO
Current ground based systems’ inability to adequately track debris smaller than 10 cm means these types of particles have been an ‘invisible threat’ for space operations over the years. The consequence? Mission planners have been operating with incomplete data and limited options for collision avoidance. What the industry needs is more continuous monitoring data, in real-time, detecting debris as small as 1 mm and debris clusters at various altitudes and locations around Earth. This data can then be used in improving orbital models and hence guide mission planners better.
The ESA Zero Debris Initiative, which aims to significantly limit debris production in Earth and Lunar orbits by 2030, depends on this technological evolution to succeed.
mmWave Radar’s Role in Detection Capability
mmWave radar offers continuous, high-resolution, real-time space debris detection. Operating at high frequencies, this radar allows operators to:
- Identify high-density debris fields
- Adjust orbital trajectories
- Enhance shielding strategies
- Improve predictive debris modelling
This aligns closely with ESA’s space situational awareness efforts and Europe’s leadership in responsible space operations.
Matching Momentum in the North American Market
Momentum is certainly building in the US with NASA investing heavily in space situational awareness and debris mitigation, and the US Space Force prioritising domain awareness capabilities. It is clear that there is a significant demand in the US market for precise, space-based tracking solutions as current tracking infrastructure lacks sub-millimetre resolution
Some of the big hitting firms in the US responsible for these satellite mega constellations growing include the likes of Elon Musk’s SpaceX, Amazon’s Project Kuiper, and Telesat’s Lightspeed. All of whom are facing increasing regulatory scrutiny over orbital congestion. So, as satellite mega constellations grow, real-time debris awareness is now an operational necessity.
The New Era of Debris Detection
An integrated mmWave radar system offers agencies the unique opportunity to detect sub-millimetre debris, marking a breakthrough in monitoring even the smallest fragments. What makes this unique is that, unlike traditional methods, mmWave systems offer high-frequency, non-impact sensing as a compact satellite payload. Scanning within a defined beamwidth, it identifies debris in real-time which can enhance:
- Collision risk modelling
- Adaptive shielding designs
- Space traffic management strategies
Not only is this technology lightweight, it also contains a low-power payload that allows for flexible integration into satellites, either as a dedicated module or part of multi-mission platforms. Its scalability supports international debris mitigation efforts, including ESA’s Zero Debris Initiative.
An area that is unique is to have radar payload operating 24/7 actually in the orbit, providing real time monitoring and data. By having this equipped, agencies enhance detection at the smallest scale, allowing for more effective mitigation strategies, ensuring that avoidance strategies, shielding designs, and debris removal efforts are based on accurate, real-time data. Detection is crucial but its true value lies in supporting broader debris management efforts. By continuously mapping debris fields, operators can take a proactive approach to space traffic control, reducing collision risks through precise forecasting and early intervention.
To Conclude
Bringing new space technologies to market is complex, requiring rigorous testing to withstand extreme conditions such as temperature fluctuations and radiation exposure. Radar technology must be designed to incorporate radiation-hardening measures. As well as this, it should include power regulation systems, and a compact, lightweight construction to ensure long-term functionality in orbit. Therefore, the move towards more precise, cost-effective, and real-time debris monitoring is inevitable, as the space industry faces increasing orbital complexity. A system capable of detecting, and analysing debris at this level is for enhancing mission planning, spacecraft protection, and active debris mitigation.