Safety assessment of Micius satellite in orbit
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Graphical Abstract
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Abstract
Micius satellite is one of the five space science pilot projects granted by the Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2011,which aims at establishing quantum experiment platform between space and Earth ground, and further carry out a series of quantum experiments in a large scale distance. As a science-devoted satellite, Micius satellite has made a greater advancement in the discipline of quantum communication at an advanced international level. These achievements made by Micius satellite are well known and focused worldwide. As of January 2019,Micius satellite reached its designed lifespan. However, there are a lot of planned extra experiments awaiting to be carried out, including some internationally cooperative experiments schedules. Safety of Micius satellite in orbit has become one of the most concerned foci. Based on space debris or space objects dataset, together with the given ephemeris of Micius satellite, simulations have been carried out during the period spanning Mar.17 and Mar. 24,2020 continuously. The possibilities of collision between Micius satellite and space debris or between Micius satellite and space objects are presented, including some other key parameters about space collision. Such simulations can provide very valuable supports for the operation team of Micius satellite.
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