A possible high frame rate multispectral detector system for space debris identification

空间碎片是地球轨道卫星面临的一个日益严重的问题。随着发射数量的不断增加，这个问题可能会变得更糟。虽然大块的碎片可以从地面追踪到，但小于1厘米的小碎片很难追踪到，而且数量更多。MSSL是新资助的全球空间可持续性网络（GNOSIS）的一部分，该网络将学术和工业团体聚集在一起，解决空间碎片问题。探测器系统包括具有光谱分辨率的单光子敏感探测器，能够每隔几微秒拍摄一张完整的照片，这为识别非常小的碎片提供了一种潜在的方法。目前还不存在这样的制度。该研究项目旨在确定驱动程序、系统规范、如何构建这样的系统以及可能的概念演示证明。这种系统不仅将用于地面望远镜，而且还将作为天基成像系统进行研究。

Space debris is a growing problem for satellites in Earth orbit. With the ever increasing number of launches this problem is likely to get worse. While large pieces of debris can be tracked from the ground small pieces of less than 1 cm are difficult and are the more numerous. MSSL is part of the newly funded Global Network on Sustainability In Space (GNOSIS) which brings academic and industrial groups together to address the issues in space debris. A detector system comprising single photon sensitive detectors with spectral resolution and able to take a full picture every few microseconds offers a potential way of identify very small pieces of debris. Such a system does not currently exist. This research project aims to identify the drivers, the system specification, how such a system could be built and possible proof of concept demonstration. Such a system will be investigated not only for ground based use at telescopes but also as a space based imaging system.