GLADOS Satellite

Gather light data on space debris in geostationary orbit.

Gather light data on space debris in geostationary orbit. This light data can be used to classify space debris, as well as to characterize the size, shape, and material properties of space debris.Use a space-based platform for collecting multi-band photometric data of glinting geostationary space objects to identify their type, surface materials, and orientation.

Two cameras − an infrared and a visible camera − to gather the brightness level of space debris as light is reflected off them. With such photometric data, students can determine various critical information of the debris they are tracking, like mass, shape and material composition. These pieces of information help scientists predict the orbital path of the debris and take measures to prevent collisions.