Orbital debris hazard assessment methodologies for satellite constellations

The expected proliferation of satellite constellations in the near future will tax the space environment in several ways. The many steps used to assess hazards posed to or by a satellite constellation are illustrated. Two categories of environmental impacts are examined: the effects of the constellations on the space debris environment and the effects of the environment on the satellite constellations. Issues such as intersatellite collision hazards far both controlled and uncontrolled spacecraft, intrasatellite constellation collision hazard (collision risks between members of a constellation), and collision risk between constellation members and the cataloged and uncataloged space population are included. Additional analysis of compliance issues with national space policy, voluntary national debris mitigation guidelines, and international concerns are also addressed.