Tracking micro-debris and enabling a cleaner LEO with next generation space radar

The increasing congestion in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) is a growing challenge for satellite operators, space agencies and aerospace companies. With expanding satellite constellations and accumulating debris, the risk of collisions is escalating. Even tiny particles – no larger than a grain of sand – pose a serious threat.

The challenge: Detecting micro-debris in LEO

Current ground-based systems struggle to track debris smaller than 10cm, leaving mission planners with incomplete data and limited options for collision avoidance. Real-time, high resolution debris monitoring is critical to closing this dangerous blind spot. A shift toward on-board detection technologies is needed to provide continuous, accurate data.

The ESA Zero Debris Initiative aims to significantly limit debris production in Earth and Lunar orbits by 2030.Real-time debris awareness will be critical to the initiative’s success.

The role of mmWave Radar

mmWave radar offers continuous, high-resolution, real-time space debris detection. Operating at high frequencies, this radar allows operators to:

Identify high-density debris fields
Adjust orbital trajectories
Enhance shielding strategies
Improve predictive debris modelling

This aligns with ESA’s space situational awareness efforts and Europe’s leadership in responsible space operations.

The North American Market and Growing Demand

With NASA investing heavily in space situational awareness and debris mitigation, and the US Space Force prioritising domain awareness capabilities, there is significant demand in the US market for precise, space-based tracking solutions as current tracking infrastructure lacks sub-millimetre resolution.

Firms such as SpaceX, Amazon’s Project Kuiper, and OneWeb, face increasing regulatory scrutiny over orbital congestion. As satellite mega constellations grow, real-time debris awareness is now an operational necessity. Integrating debris-detecting radar into satellites can enhance collision avoidance strategies, fleet resilience and future-proof missions against increasingly stringent regulations.

A debris detection step-change

A mmWave radar system can detect sub-millimetre debris, marking a breakthrough in monitoring even the smallest fragments. Unlike traditional methods, it offers high-frequency, non-impact sensing as a compact satellite payload. Scanning within a defined beamwidth, it identifies debris in real-time which enhances:

Collision risk modelling
Adaptive shielding designs
Space traffic management strategies

Adaptability

This technology’s lightweight, low-power payload allows for flexible integration into satellites, either as a dedicated module or part of multi-mission platforms. Its scalability supports international debris mitigation efforts, including ESA’s Zero Debris Initiative.

The need for precise, real-time monitoring

The rising number of LEO satellites increases the risk of cascading collision events, worsening the debris problem. Enhancing detection at the smallest scale, allows for more effective mitigation strategies, ensuring that avoidance manoeuvres, shielding designs, and debris removal efforts are based on accurate, real-time data.

Detection is crucial but its true value lies in supporting broader debris management efforts. By continuously mapping debris fields, operators can take a proactive approach to space traffic control, reducing collision risks through precise forecasting and early intervention.

Overcoming deployment challenges

Bringing new space technologies to market is complex, requiring rigorous testing to withstand extreme conditions such as temperature fluctuations and radiation exposure. Radar technology must be designed to incorporate radiation-hardening measures, power regulation systems, and a compact, lightweight construction to ensure long-term functionality in orbit.

The future of space debris management

The move towards more precise, cost-effective, and real-time debris monitoring is inevitable, as the space industry faces increasing orbital complexity. A system capable of detecting, tracking, and analysing debris at this level is for enhancing mission planning, spacecraft protection, and active debris mitigation.

Organisations aiming to enhance orbital safety, improve space situational awareness, and future-proof missions against debris can turn to next-generation sensing. Collaboration will be key as the industry embraces sustainable orbital operations, making advanced debris monitoring the new standard for space safety.

About the Author

Richard Jacklin is Commercial Lead at Plextek, specialising in Space, Satellite, Wireless & RF technologies. He works closely with satellite operators, aerospace firms, and space agencies to develop cutting-edge sensing systems that enhance mission safety and orbital sustainability.

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