Orbital Debris  Radar Measurements

Haystack X-Band Radar - MIT Lincoln Laboratory in Lexington, MA

NASA's main source of data for debris in the size range of 1 to 30 cm is the Haystack radar. The Haystack radar, operated by MIT Lincoln Laboratory, has been collecting orbital debris data for NASA since 1990 under an agreement with the U.S. Department of Defense. Haystack statistically samples the debris population by "staring" at selected pointing angles and detecting debris which fly through its field-of-view. The data are used to characterize the debris population by size, altitude, and inclination. From these measurements, scientists have concluded that there are over 100,000 debris fragments in orbit with sizes down to 1 cm. NASA also collects data from the Haystack Auxiliary Radar (HAX), located next to the main Haystack antenna. Although HAX is less sensitive than Haystack, it operates at a different wavelength (1.8 cm for HAX versus 3 cm for Haystack) and has a wider field-of-view.

 

Kwajalein Radar Complex		Millstone Radar & Firepond Telescope

NASA has conducted limited observation campaigns using the radar systems located at Kwajalein Atoll (U.S. Army; USAKA), the FPS-85 phased array radar at Eglin AFB, Florida, the Millstone radar and Firepond Telescope in Massachusetts, and the Perimeter Acquisition Characterization Radar System (PARCS) in North Dakota. NASA has also participated in debris searches organized by the U.S. Strategic Command and by the FGAN radar located in Germany.