🛰️
Medium
Software

Space Debris Tracking System

Create a real-time space debris tracking and collision prediction system for satellite operators.

Prize Pool
$20,000
Participants
650
Deadline
1/20/2025
Time Left
-388 days

Problem Statement

Develop a system to track and predict space debris trajectories:

1. Data Sources

- Two-Line Element (TLE) sets from Space-Track.org

- Radar observations

- Telescope tracking data

- 30,000+ tracked objects

2. Core Features

- Real-time position calculation

- Orbital propagation (SGP4/SDP4)

- Collision probability assessment

- Alert system for close approaches

3. Visualization

- 3D Earth orbit display

- Debris density heat maps

- Conjunction warnings

- Historical pass predictions

4. Performance Targets

- Update rate: 1 minute

- Prediction accuracy: <1km at 24 hours

- Alert threshold: <5km proximity

- Support 1000+ simultaneous users

5. User Interface

- Satellite operator dashboard

- Mobile app for alerts

- API for third-party integration

- Historical event playback

Deliverables:

- Web application

- Mobile app

- API documentation

- User guide

Required Skills

JavaScriptWebGLOrbital MechanicsReact

Mentors

John Davis - ESA
Maria Santos - Blue Origin