P²-ROTECT

"Prediction, Protection & Reduction of OrbiTal Exposure to Collision Threats"

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The strategic importance of space systems is growing in Europe, for civil and defence applications (satellite communications, ..). Recent examples have shown that on-orbit collisions brought on by space debris are important threats. On one hand, some space debris are routinely tracked, making the collisions predictable, but they increase the cost of space missions’ management. On the other hand, most debris are untracked because they are too small, making prediction impossible. The way to reduce vulnerability is then to reduce severity of collision and probability of occurrence. The proposed P²-ROTECT project aims to assess the risks associated with collisions and recommend possible solutions such as better prediction, protection or action on debris environment to reduce vulnerability of missions. But it is mandatory to elaborate a vulnerability index which quantifies the efficiency of solutions with respect to trackable and untrackable debris effects and provides access to sensitive terms of collision probability or severity. Furthermore, trade-offs are made between efficiency and cost to propose new design options for space infrastructures. In order to work with concrete examples depending on orbit types, three missions of interest for EU are analysed: Sentinel-I in Low Earth Orbit, GALILEO constellation in Medium Earth Orbit and MTG, the weather observation constellation in Geostationary Orbit. The Consortium includes well-known partners capable of analysing space missions at all levels (S/C component, mission) and able to provide innovative solutions for risk reduction.The P²-ROTECT objective and methodology match with the objectives of Activity “Security of space assets from on-orbit collisions”. Concerning the complementarities with the ESA SSA proposal, the propositions are clearly oriented towards low-cost solutions to contribute to space surveillance and improvement of collision prediction methods, while raising situational awareness on a European level'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Out-of-service satellites and remnants from collisions are among the orbiting matter posing threats to strategic space systems. Scientists are developing a global vulnerability tool to minimise risks.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

The EU is increasingly reliant on strategic space systems for both civil and defence applications. Growing quantities of space debris pose a particular threat to such valuable and expensive instrumentation and structures. Reducing vulnerability encompasses both minimising the probability of collision and minimising the degree of damage in the event of collision.

In order to evaluate vulnerability and reduce it, the danger must be quantified. Scientists initiated the EU-funded 'Prediction, protection & reduction of orbital exposure to collision threats' (P2-Rotect) project to develop a definition of vulnerability and a way to calculate it. Vulnerability assessment will then be used to evaluate vulnerability reduction given that one must be able to compare conditions before and after corrective measures. Three European missions (Sentinel-1, GALILEO and Meteostat (MTG) Third Generation) at three different altitudes (Low Earth Orbit, Medium Earth Orbit and Geostationary Orbit, respectively) are being used as case studies.

Researchers defined several debris scenarios and analysed them with the Master 2009 software package. They improved collision prediction techniques using rare event simulation and new collision risk indicators. Reducing vulnerability in case of collision involved analysing effects of shielding, improved wall structure, redistribution of critical resources and classification of failure events. Scientists are also evaluating methods to reduce the amount of orbiting space debris. De-orbiting of out-of-service satellites is an important component.

During the first reporting period, scientists developed the preliminary version of the Particle Impact Risk and Vulnerability Assessment Tool (PIRAT) to assess the effects of collision with untrackable debris. They are also developing a tool (Colliding Objects Risk for Spacecrafts: Assessment and Induced Reaction (CORSAIR)) to predict the probability of manoeuvre in order to avoid collision with trackable debris. Prototypes have been integrated into a global vulnerability tool (Space Asset Vulnerability to the Effects of Space Population Avoidance and Collision Evaluator (SAVESPACE)).

P2-Rotect tools and techniques are expected to have important impact on the safety of EU space assets by reducing both the probability of collision with space debris as well as damage in the event of a collision.