Physical interactions of space debris

We are developing physical models for space debris and their interactions with light and other electromagnetic radiation, including scattering, absorption, and light pressure. We are developing inverse techniques to derive target properties from measured data. We are developing novel sensor concepts by numerical simulations. We are developing techniques to manipulate the orbital objects by laser light.

We are building a laboratory setup, that allows us to measure the full scattering matrix of space debris analogues, as a function of 3 angles. This allows us to reproduce any light, phase, and polarisation curve. We have been validating the scattering and inversion models. We will start evaluating experimentally many novel ground- and space bases sensor and momentum transfer concepts.