Modelling of space debris and meteoroids

Since several years, CNES has undertaken studies in the field of debris and meteoroids since the knowledge of this environment is of prime importance for space activities and will be a growing concern in the future. In the frame of this study, the main available models concerning space debris and meteoroids have been analysed: origin, principle of modelization, limits and evolution as a function of time. A reference model has been choosen and evaluated through comparisons with available data, coming from in flight experiments such as LDEF, EURECA, MIR and HUBBLE. This work will lead in the future to improve the models, particularly for the small size debris.