Space Debris Detection and Collision Avoidance System

Problem Statement

Earth orbit contains thousands of debris fragments created from satellite breakups, rocket stages, and space collisions. These objects move at extreme speeds and pose a serious threat to operational satellites. Even small debris can cause mission failure, financial loss, and service disruption. The goal of this project was to design a system capable of early debris detection, orbit prediction, and collision prevention support.

Architecture

The system follows a modular pipeline architecture with four core layers. Module 1 handles debris detection by processing observational data and identifying nearby objects around satellites. Module 2 performs orbit tracking and prediction using TLE data, RK4 numerical integration, and Kalman filtering for trajectory correction. Module 3 calculates collision probability through conjunction analysis using relative velocity and closest approach distance. Module 4 generates collision avoidance recommendations by suggesting orbital adjustments to reduce risk while minimizing fuel usage. The modules operate sequentially, transforming raw orbital data into actionable safety decisions.

Tech Stack

Challenges Solved

• 01Handled uncertainty in debris position compared to known satellite orbits
• 02Integrated numerical orbit prediction methods for future trajectory estimation
• 03Implemented conjunction analysis to estimate collision probability
• 04Designed risk classification levels (critical, high, moderate)
• 05Generated maneuver suggestions without requiring manual calculations

Lessons Learned

• 01Space debris detection is harder than satellite tracking due to limited sensor visibility
• 02Accurate orbit prediction requires combining deterministic models with filtering methods
• 03Collision risk must be expressed in clear categories for decision making
• 04Modular system design simplifies complex aerospace workflows
• 05Prediction and prevention are more valuable than post-collision analysis

Performance

The system processes orbital data in stages, allowing efficient prediction and risk analysis. Orbit propagation and collision checks are optimized for repeated calculations across multiple objects, enabling near real-time monitoring scenarios in simulation environments.