Ison Network Tracking of Space Debris: Current Status and Achievements

Abstract

Interagency International Scientific Optical Network (ISON) represents one of largest systems specializing in observation of space objects. ISON provides permanent monitoring of the whole GEO region, regular surveying of Molniya type orbits, and tracking of objects at GEO, GTO, HEO and LEO. Currently ISON cooperates with 43 observation facilities of various affiliations with 100 telescopes in 17 countries. Six telescope subsets have been completed to the date, ISON encompasses five groups of telescopes and three scheduling centers. Obtained measurements are processed at the KIAM ballistic center to be used for scientific and applied goals, including collision risks analysis and space situation analysis. 20 millions measurements in 2.58 millions of tracklets for more 6740 objects have been collected by KIAM in 2016.

Optical observations of the BepiColombo spacecraft as a proxy for a potential threatening asteroid

“…After successfully acquiring BepiColombo from Australia, the next step to improve the trajectory determination required near-continuous coverage for the subsequent hours. The target was at that time easily observable from the Northern hemisphere, and therefore it was ideally placed for many of the telescopes composing the ISON network, located in Asia and Eastern Europe (Molotov et al, 2019).…”

A 36 cm robotic optical telescope: Equipment and software

“…For example, a global network of the 100 optical telescopes at 42 observatories in 18 countries was created by ISON (International Scientific Optical Network), which is primarily designed to observe space debris (mainly for GEO), asteroids, and GRB afterglows (Molotov et al, 2019). The announced amount of space debris in GEO is in the leading position.…”