Development of Debris Lists for Launch and Reentry
Abstract
All launch vehicles pose a potential debris risk hazard and range safety professionals require debris lists that characterize the expected breakup of the vehicle in order to estimate launch danger areas, prescribe destruct lines and estimate risk. The dynamics of vehicle breakup are highly variable and not extensively analyzed leading to significant uncertainty in any given debris list estimate. In this paper we investigate the characteristics of historically derived launch vehicle debris lists and explore a range of methodologies used within the range safety and vehicle manufacturer community to develop debris lists. Findings from an FAA sponsored debris list development practices questionnaire are presented and discussed.
- Publication:
-
A Safer Space for Safer World
- Pub Date:
- January 2012
- Bibcode:
- 2012ESASP.699E.101N