How to Be Space Debris Analyst - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Feb 19, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Space debris, also known as orbital debris or spacecraft fragmentation, is a major cause of concern for the international space community. It is created when objects such as derelict satellites and rocket stages break apart in orbit and can include everything from dust particles to entire satellites. Space debris can orbit Earth at speeds of up to 17,500mph, making it a major hazard to operational satellites and spacecraft.

In fact, even small pieces of space debris have the potential to cause significant damage when they collide with an object in space. The risk posed by space debris is compounded by the fact that it can remain in orbit for years, or even centuries, causing a cumulative effect of increased risk to operational systems. This can have a significant impact on the ability of countries and organizations to launch new satellites or explore space safely.

To mitigate the risk from space debris, various organizations have proposed various strategies including active debris removal and debris mitigation measures.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. To become a space debris analyst, you will need to obtain a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as astrophysics, aerospace engineering, or mathematics.
Get Practical Experience. Gaining practical experience is essential for a space debris analyst. Consider internships, research positions, and volunteer opportunities related to space debris analysis.
Become Certified. Becoming a Certified Space Debris Analyst (CSDA) demonstrates your knowledge and proficiency in the field. The CSDA certification is available through the International Association of Space Debris Analysts (IASDA).
Network. Developing contacts within the space debris analysis field is essential. Join professional organizations, attend conferences, and participate in online forums.
Stay Current. As technology and techniques advance, it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the field of space debris analysis.

Space debris is a growing problem that affects the safety of our planet. As the number of satellites, launches, and other activities in space increase, so does the amount of debris that orbits Earth. This debris can cause a variety of issues, ranging from damage to satellites to the potential for dangerous collisions with other spacecraft.

To combat this problem, space debris analysts are needed. These analysts must possess a unique set of skills, including an understanding of orbital mechanics, an ability to analyze data from various sources, and experience working with space debris mitigation techniques. By having qualified professionals in the field of space debris analysis, we can create a safer environment in our planets atmosphere and better protect our valuable satellites and other spacecraft.

You may want to check Space Launch Integration Engineer, Spacecraft Assembly and Test Technician, and Spacecraft Pilot for alternative.

Job Description

Monitor and analyze space debris to identify potential threats to satellites, spacecraft and other space assets.
Develop, implement and execute procedures for tracking, cataloging and predicting the trajectory of space debris.
Analyze data from ground-based telescopes, satellite images and other sources to identify objects in Earth's orbit.
Coordinate with other teams to develop and implement debris removal plans and strategies.
Collaborate with engineers, scientists and other professionals to design models that simulate the motion of space debris.
Present findings and recommendations to leadership teams.
Write reports and contribute to publications that document the state of the space environment.
Develop software and algorithms to analyze space debris data.
Conduct research on new technologies, methods and materials that can help reduce the risk of collisions.
Monitor current events and changes to international space laws to ensure compliance with regulations.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Technical knowledge in space debris identification and tracking.
Knowledge of orbital mechanics and astrodynamics.
Ability to analyze data from various satellite tracking systems.
Understanding of space environment effects on satellites and other objects.
Knowledge of risk management techniques to identify and mitigate dangers posed by space debris.
Proficiency in the use of software tools such as STK, AGI, and other software packages to analyze and predict the motion of space debris.
Ability to develop and implement strategies to mitigate the risk of space debris collision.
Knowledge of international space law and regulations concerning the management of space debris.
Ability to effectively communicate findings to a variety of audiences.
Knowledge of computer programming languages such as Python and C++ for data analysis and modeling.

Space debris analysts play an important role in helping to reduce the growing amount of debris in our atmosphere. As satellites and other spacecrafts are launched into space, they often leave behind debris which can threaten the safety of other spacecrafts. Space debris analysts use their knowledge and skills to identify, track and monitor space debris, and to develop methods of reducing or preventing its accumulation.

They use tracking systems to observe the locations and trajectories of objects in Earth's orbit, as well as their potential for collision with other objects. They also use data from telescopes, radar systems and satellites to analyze the composition of space debris and determine its potential for causing damage. space debris analysts work with engineers to design strategies for avoiding or minimizing the impact of any collision with space debris.

By using their knowledge and skills, space debris analysts help ensure that our space environment remains safe for exploration and future generations.

Spacecraft Navigation Officer, Space Payload Specialist, and Spaceport Launch Integration Manager are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in the analysis of space debris?
What tools and resources do you use to track and analyze space debris?
How have you used data to inform your analysis of space debris?
Describe a successful project you have led in the analysis of space debris.
How do you ensure accuracy and precision when tracking and analyzing space debris?
What challenges have you encountered when tracking and analyzing space debris?
What strategies have you employed to mitigate the risks associated with space debris?
How do you stay informed about advances in technology and research related to space debris and its analysis?
How do you work with other professionals and teams to ensure successful outcomes related to the analysis of space debris?
What is your vision for the future of space debris analysis?

Common Tools in Industry

Space Surveillance Network (SSN). A global system of ground-based radar, optical, and space-based sensors used to track and catalog objects in Earth's orbit. (Eg: US Air Force's 18th Space Control Squadron)
Radar and Optical Telescopes. Specialized telescopes used to observe objects in Earth's orbit by tracking their movement and identifying their shapes. (Eg: Arecibo Observatory)
Orbital Debris Modeling Software. Software used to calculate the orbital evolution of debris, such as their trajectories, collision probabilities, and possible reentry paths. (Eg: STK Debris Analyst)
Simulation Software. Software used to simulate possible debris-related scenarios, such as collisions with operational satellites or the effects of atmospheric drag on debris. (Eg: System ToolKit Space Situational Awareness)
Spacecraft Attitude Determination and Control Software. Software used to determine the orientation of a spacecraft in Earth's orbit and control its attitude. (Eg: Attitude and Orbit Control System)

Professional Organizations to Know

Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC)
European Space Agency (ESA)
International Astronautical Federation (IAF)
International Academy of Astronautics (IAA)
Aerospace Corporation
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
International Space Environment Services (ISES)
The Planetary Society
American Astronomical Society (AAS)
Center for Orbital and Reentry Debris Studies (CORDS)

We also have Space Telescope Operator, Space Propulsion Engineer, and Space Launch Range Safety Officer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Orbital Debris. Non-functional and/or abandoned objects in Earths orbit, the majority of which is man-made.
Spacecraft. A vehicle designed for operation in space.
Meteoroid. A small solid body in space, typically measuring a few centimeters or less in diameter.
Space Surveillance Network (SSN). A system of sensors and tracking technology used to detect, catalog, and monitor orbital debris and spacecraft.
Re-entry. The process of a spacecraft or any object entering Earths atmosphere from space.
Impact Prediction. A prediction of the potential consequences of an objects re-entry into Earths atmosphere, such as its timing, location, and risk of harm to people and property.
Orbital Decay. The gradual decrease in an objects orbital altitude caused by atmospheric drag.
Conjunction Analysis. The process of analyzing potential encounters between objects in Earths orbit with the intent of avoiding collision or reducing the risk of collision.
Risk Mitigation. A set of strategies employed to reduce the risk of harm to people or property caused by orbital debris.
Mitigation Guidelines. A set of guidelines issued by the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC) to reduce the amount of debris created by spacecraft activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Space Debris Analyst?

Space Debris Analyst is a software tool developed by Analytical Graphics, Inc. (AGI) for analyzing the orbits of debris in Earth's orbit and predicting their future trajectories.