Radar observations of space debris in polar orbits 2018–2021. A study on the evolution of the Microsat-R fragments

Abstract

Orbits are an invaluable resource for the global community. However, space pollution is becoming more pronounced as the accumulation of debris continues. Deliberate collisions are a relevant source contributing to this development. When Microsat-R was destroyed with a missile in 2019, it ejected numerous fragments into orbit. Based on observations made with EISCAT UHF, this thesis will investigate the evolution of this debris cloud. This is achieved using the results from four different measurement campaigns from 2018 to 2021.