What is the typical minimum size threshold for space objects to be included in detailed orbital catalogs?
Answer
Objects larger than 10 centimeters
The foundation of collision avoidance relies on accurate tracking and cataloging of potential hazards. Space agencies and defense organizations focus monitoring efforts on objects that pose a substantial physical threat upon impact. This threshold is generally set for pieces larger than 10 centimeters. While smaller fragments, even those undetectable by current tracking methods, still present a risk, cataloging objects above this size provides the baseline data necessary for calculating conjunction probabilities and issuing formal warnings to active satellite operators regarding credible threats.
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