New Satellite to Track Tiny Space Debris Threatening Orbiting Infrastructure

The 'Space Debris Hunter' satellite, developed by UAF researchers, aims to detect objects as small as 1 cm using plasma wave technology.

Earth's orbit contains over 100 million pieces of space debris, with less than 1% currently tracked, posing significant risks to satellites and spacecraft.
The Space Debris Hunter satellite, designed by University of Alaska Fairbanks researchers, will detect objects too small for ground-based systems, down to 1 cm in size.
The detection method leverages plasma disturbances caused by debris, allowing precise tracking of its distance, angle of approach, and trajectory.
Equipped with advanced sensors, the satellite will measure electric and magnetic wave fields and analyze frequency changes to predict debris paths and avoid collisions.
This initiative, part of a U.S. government program, aims to safeguard critical satellite infrastructure and reduce costly damage caused by undetected space debris.