ISON NETWORK TRACKING OF SPACE DEBRIS: CURRENT STATUS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

Abstract

Interagency International Scientific Optical Network (ISON) represents one of largest systems specializing in observation of space objects. ISON provides permanent monitoring of the whole GEO region, regular surveying of Molniya type orbits, and tracking of objects at GEO, GTO, HEO and LEO. Currently ISON cooperates with 43 observation facilities of various affiliations with 100 telescopes in 17 countries. Six telescope subsets have been completed to the date, ISON encompasses five groups of telescopes and three scheduling centers. Obtained measurements are processed at the KIAM ballistic center to be used for scientific and applied goals, including collision risks analysis and space situation analysis. 20 millions measurements in 2.58 millions of tracklets for more 6740 objects have been collected by KIAM in 2016.