Space-Based Short Range Observation for LEO Debris

Space debris is one of the major threats for safe and sustainable development and utilizations of space. The orbital object catalog is very important to conduct debris counter measures. However, current database opened to the public has insufficiencies in its tracking size capability. This paper proposes new debris observation system based on space-based sensors. To track the objects observed by the sensors, and maintain their catalog; this paper also proposes collaborative observation with ground sensor networks. This paper mainly discusses on the following topics; 1) mission design for space-based sensors 2) expected values of observation capabilities 3) tracking capability including collaboration with ground facilities. As an initial result, this paper concluded that the combination of a single observation satellite and three ground facilities are able to track approximately 10