Nordic Multi-static Space Debris Radar Architecture

NOSTRA

Space debris is a serious challenge for the growing satellite-based infrastructure. There are currently about 17,000 active satellites supporting commerce, science, and society. According to ESA, an estimated 1–2 million space debris particles orbit the Earth. Understanding the space debris environment and its evolution through fragmentation processes calls for more high-quality, precise observations.

Project information

Project duration

-

Funded by

Other International

Funding amount

34 121 EUR

Project coordinator

Other university or unit

Unit and faculty

Sodankylä Geophysical Observatory

Contact information

Contact person

Project description

The ESA-funded project studies the feasibility and draft technical design of a Nordic multi-static radar for tracking objects in space.

Nordic countries offer attractive location for future space tracking radars. Polar and high-inclination satellites have high observation frequency at high latitudes and there exists strong supporting infrastructure for radar activities.

The project is collaboration between SGO, IRF (Sweden), NORCE (Norway) and CWC.

Project results

A thorough stakeholder dialogue was conducted, collecting user requirements, which were used to formulate a mission statement and mission requirements. The draft radar system design was based on system requirements, which were derived from mission requirements. The draft design was verified by simulations to see if the system requirements are feasible. Rough
Order of Magnitude (ROM) costs for the components in the draft design were evaluated.

The concept was verified to be technically feasible and perform according to the requirements.