Sammendrag
An increasing number of satellites are orbiting Earth at over 7 km/s, repeatedly crossing each other’s
orbital tracks. Performing collision avoidance tasks has become a daily activity for large satellite
operators, and the workload is rapidly increasing. Subsequently, nanosatellite operators, typically
smaller or less professional operators as universities, are increasingly becoming occupied with
collision avoidance tasks. However, most nanosatellite operators do not have the capability to move
their satellites. They are often unaware of procedures and required actions to do collision avoidance,
and to a great extent, not sure what to do. In this paper, we aim to provide an overview of a suggested
best practice for collision avoidance.
Moreover, we aim to show that operators with satellites without manoeuvring capabilities
are not just to stand by and do nothing in the event of a conjunction. The suggested best practice
for collision avoidance has three main elements: monitoring, assessment, and coordination. We
conclude that nanosatellite operators should utilize GNSS data for precise orbit determination,
ensure a high level of data-sharing and implement automated processes to monitor, assess and
coordinate conjunctions. At last, we propose the use of the spaceguard.ai NANO system, which will
automatically monitor, assess and coordinate conjunctions. This system will be available for testing
in late 2021
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