New invention helps 'channel traffic' and clean up space junk

MIT's revolutionary open source tool MOCAT is designed to model the space environment, addressing the growing challenge of space debris.

In a move to address the growing congestion in low Earth orbit, as well as growing concerns about space debris, the Aerodynamics Laboratory, Space Robotics recently and Control (ARCLab) of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has publicly released the MIT Orbital Capability Assessment Tool (abbreviated as MOCAT).

MOCAT allows users to model individual objects, diverse parameters. (Photo: earth.com).

The MOCAT tool consists of two main components, one is the open source model MOCAT-MC that helps evaluate the evolution of the space environment through individual orbit simulations and Monte Carlo parametric analysis, providing both an overall view and detailed analysis of the evolutionary process of each space object.

The other model called MOCAT-SSEM uses a high-precision modeling method, allowing it to run quickly on a personal computer within seconds to minutes. Both of these model components can be accessed separately through the GitHub platform.

MOCAT provides users with the ability to model the long-term future space environment, providing important insights into the potential hazard evolution of space debris, and the effectiveness of the mechanism prevent debris.

As satellite deployment skyrockets, the risk of collisions and the proliferation of space debris becomes a serious problem. MOCAT, with its unique capabilities, could help revolutionize research into more advanced, sustainable space environments.

Unlike other space trajectory modeling tools, MOCAT allows users to model individual objects, diverse parameters, follow orbital characteristics, fragmentation scenarios, and track properties. calculate collision probability. These flexible elements position MOCAT as a powerful tool for more comprehensive analysis and management of space environments.

The release of this tool comes at a critical time, giving stakeholders, including satellite operators, regulators and the public, a better opportunity to make informed decisions. on data, in the context of space orbits becoming increasingly crowded with objects and complexity.

ARCLab's team of experts quietly began developing this tool many years ago, because they have long recognized the need to deploy open source spatial modeling tools to enhance consensus building. consensus, and make decisions for better sustainable use of space in the future.

Richard Linares, principal investigator of MOCAT and MIT associate professor of aeronautics and astronautics, expressed optimism about the tool's potential impact: 'MOCAT represents a significant leap forward in assessment. space orbit capacity price'. 'By making the code open and publicly available, we hope it will engage the global community in improving its understanding of satellite orbits, contributing to a more sustainable use of space ,' added Richard Linares.