Space debris, also known as space junk, is any human-made object in orbit around the Earth that is no longer functioning or needed. It can include everything from old satellites and rocket stages to fragments of spacecraft and other small objects. The presence of space debris poses a significant risk to spacecraft and other objects in orbit, as collisions with even small pieces of debris can cause significant damage.
The Space Debris Sensor (SDS) is a device that is designed to detect and track space debris in low Earth orbit (LEO). It uses radar or laser technology to detect and track debris objects, and it can provide information about their size, shape, and orbit. The SDS is typically mounted on a satellite or spacecraft and can operate in a variety of orbits and environments.
The SDS is an important tool for improving our understanding of the space debris environment and helping to mitigate the risks associated with space debris. It is used by space agencies, satellite operators, and other organizations to monitor and manage the space debris environment and to help prevent collisions with operational spacecraft.