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KesslerSIMDrome

Project Description

KesslerSimDrome is an interactive simulation platform designed to visualize and analyze low-Earth orbit (LEO) space debris. It addresses the growing concern of space debris and the Kessler Syndrome, where cascading collisions could render certain orbits unusable. Current tools for space debris visualization often struggle with real-time performance, intuitive interfaces, and comprehensive data integration, making them less accessible to the general public.

KesslerSimDrome overcomes these barriers by providing real-time simulations with features such as time scaling, debris filtering, and detailed object information. Users can explore the orbital environment, understand the dynamics of space debris, and witness the potential consequences of collisions in an engaging, educational format.

This project serves as both an educational tool and a platform for raising awareness about the importance of space sustainability and debris mitigation efforts. Target users for this project include students, educators, space enthusiasts, and the general public.

How to Use

  • Move camera: Click and drag to rotate the view, scroll to zoom in/out, right-click and drag to pan.
  • Time controls: Use the timeline/animation widgets to scrub orbit time.
  • Change speed: Drag the speed slider (bottom-left). Double-click the clock to type an exact speed.
  • Filters: Click the filter icon in the toolbar to show/hide objects by Type, and Country
  • Altitude Filters: Use checkboxes in the altitude legend(top-left) to filter objects by altitude range.
  • Limit objects: Use the Object Count slider(in the filter menu) to cap visible entities for performance.
  • Search (NORMAL mode): Use the floating search box to find a satellite by name or ID and zoom to it.
  • Kessler Simulation: Click the Kessler button to enter live mode. Time UI hides; simulation stats appear.

Tip: If objects “disappear,” check your filters and the Object Count slider.

Important Terminology

LEO (Low Earth Orbit): Typically 160 km to 2,000 km above Earth.

GEO (Geosynchronous Orbit): Orbit with period matching Earth’s rotation.

Kessler Syndrome: Cascading collisions generating more debris, increasing future collision risk.

Rocket Body: Spent upper stage rocket/booster; high collision risk.

Sources

CelesTrak: Used for satellite data. https://celestrak.org/

NASA Models: Used several public 3D models. https://science.nasa.gov/3d-resources/

Authors

Rishab Dixit, Roy Hoang, Samuel Dutson, Will Jackson