Study of a population of space debris objects with a high area-to-mass ratio in high Earth orbits

Abstract

The data on 498 space debris objects with a high area-to-mass ratio (HAMR) detected in 2016–2017 were analyzed to identify possible candidates for the role of "parent objects". As a result, the origin of several HAMR fragments was determined. These fragments separated from three different large objects in the geostationary orbit (GEO) region, including two functioning spacecraft and one rocket launcher stage. Observations of these three objects showed that there were no noticeable differences in their light curves, which indicates the absence of significant changes in the geometric shape, reflective characteristics and motion parameters relative to the center of mass. At least, both spacecraft continued to perform retention maneuvers in their positions on the GEO, and no unpredictable changes were detected in the orbital motion and in the stage light curve. Therefore, the formation of newly discovered fragments cannot be associated with the catastrophic destruction of the “parent objects”.