What did you develop?

We developed a 3-D game to bring public awareness to "orbital debris", a.k.a man-made space debris that orbits planet Earth. This includes fragments of rockets, satellites, and equipment. reasons behind the debris include the destruction or the abandonment of defunct spacecraft, as well as accidental collisions between spacecraft.

Why is it important?

In February of 2020, Earth's orbital debris began approaching 9,000 tons in mass. But it isn't only an environmental concern; it also threatens people and property. Because the debris can reach speeds of 18,000 miles per hour, even flecks of paint are capable of causing damage. As a result, space surveillance is actively tracking over 22,000 pieces of orbital debris and agencies have established avoidance procedures for spacecraft.

Regarding the disposal of debris, current complications extend beyond mission complexity, international policies, and fiscal decisions. But what if we could treat the disposal of space debris as an insurance expenditure, protecting spacecraft and satellites from potential damage and costly replacements? Or if the collection of orbital debris could open up new occupations, where the scrap metal could be reused for manufacturing new products?

What does it do?

Our game provides a unique visualization of space debris' impact on satellites using TLE data and accurate mass to speed ratios. The objective of the game is for the player to either destroy or collect debris in space before it hits the satellites. It combines elements of fun and education so that anyone can both enjoy the game and learn about the dangers that space debris poses. For example, they will learn about different types of space debris, about the movement of objects in space, and about the devastating effect it can have on space satellites.

How does it work?

Our game uses the Unity game engine. With Earth at the center of the map, and the user spawns relatively near to the Earth. Every five seconds, a new piece of debris is generated, going into orbit around the Earth with a varying initial velocity and orbital level. Based on TLE data from Space Track, satellites remain in constant orbit around the Earth. Because all these objects orbit Earth, they can collide with each other and destroy each other or send them out of orbit.

The user will be able to use their W A S D keys to navigate around the Earth, collecting different types of space debris. We use a Python Script to query a TLE interpreter, which returns with a latitude-longitude system of coordinates which we convert into x and y values on our plane. We use a series of x and y coordinates to calculate the initial velocity of each satellite and then set them into motion within our gravitational system around Earth. They each follow their own orbit. Debris is given a random initial velocity and position so that they interact with each other and the satellites. When the user touches a piece of debris, they have the choice to collect it for recycling.

What do you hope to achieve?

Not only has human achievement in space exploration and discovery been phenomenal- it is often admired as the product between our curiosity and dedication, our creativity and innovation. But now the world needs to direct these qualities towards solving the problem that orbital debris poses. By teaching players about the dangers of orbital debris in a simplistic, fun, visual form, we are inspiring the new generation to find solutions for their future.