227 pgs, 1989, AIAA
ISBN 978-0930403584

In Volume 121 of the Progress in Astronautics and Aeronautics series, foreign and domestic space researchers discuss causes and prevention of the upper-stage breakups that have contributed substantially to the orbital debris problem. Ranging in size from dust specks to large fragments, these man-made rings around the planet present hazards serious enough to affect spacecraft or satellite design, and serious enough to warrant the two-day NASA conference from which these papers were harvested.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Background

1. Current Orbital Debris Environment
2. Evolution of the Artificial Earth Satellite Environment
3. Hypervelocity Impact and Upper-Stage Breakups
   
   Breakup Studies
4. Preliminary Analysis of the Fragmentation of the Spot 1 Ariane Third Stage
5. Explosive Fragmentation of Orbiting Propellant Tanks
6. Characteristics of Satellite Breakups from Radar Cross Section and Plane-Change Angle
7. Albedo Estimates for Debris
8. Ariane-Related Debris in Deep-Space Orbit
9. Potential Spot-1 R/B-Cosmos 1680 R/B Collision
   
   Control of Debris from Breakups
10. Removal of Orbital Debris
11. Cost Estimates for Removal of Orbital Debris
12. Collision Probabilities in Geosynchronous Orbit and Techniques to Control the Environment
    
    Prevention of Breakups: Upper-Stage Operational Procedures
13. Current Operational Practice for the Delta Second Stage
14. Ariane Third Stage: Current Operational Practice and Modifications Expected
15. Centaur Upper Stage
16. Safing of H-1 Second Stage After Spacecraft Separation