Jump to content

2024 Software of the Year Co-Winner – Orbital Debris Engineering Model (ORDEM)


Recommended Posts

  • Publishers
Posted

3 min read

Preparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater)

NASA Software of The Year Award medallion

NASA Johnson Space Center: ORDEM represents the state of the art in orbital debris models intended for engineering analysis. It is a data-driven model, relying on large quantities of radar, optical, in situ, and laboratory measurement data. When released, it was the first software code to include a model for different orbital debris material densities, population models from low Earth orbit (LEO) all the way to Geosynchronous orbit (GEO), and uncertainties in each debris population. 

ORDEM allows users to compute the orbital debris flux on any satellite in Earth orbit.  This allows satellite designers to mitigate possible orbital debris damage to a spacecraft and its instruments using shielding and design choices, thereby extending the useful life of the mission and its experiments.  The model also has a mode that simulates debris telescope/radar observations from the ground.  Both it and the spacecraft flux mode can be used to design experiments to measure the meteoroid and orbital debris environments. 

ORDEM is used heavily in the hypervelocity protection community, those that design, build, and test shielding for spacecraft and rocket upper stages. The fidelity of the ORDEM model allows for the optimization of shielding to balance mission success criteria, risk posture, and cost considerations. 

As both government and civilian actors continue to exploit the space environment for security, science, and the economy, it is important that we track the debris risks in increasingly crowded orbits, in order to minimize damage to these space assets to make sure these missions continue to operate safely.  ORDEM is NASA’s primary tool for computing and mitigating these risks.   

ORDEM is used by NASA, the Department of Defense, and other U.S. government agencies, directly or indirectly (via the Debris Assessment Software, MSC-26690-1) to evaluate collision risk for large trackable objects, as well as other mission-ending risks associated with small debris (such as tank ruptures or wiring cuts). In addition to the use as an engineering tool, ORDEM has been used by NASA and other missions in the conceptual design phase to analyze the frequency of orbital debris impacts on potential in situ sensors that could detect debris too small to be detected from ground-based assets. 

Commercial and academic users of ORDEM include Boeing, SpaceX, Northrop Grumman, the University of Colorado, California Polytechnic State University, among many others. These end users, similar to the government users discussed above, use the software to (1) directly determine potential hazards to spaceflight resulting from flying through the debris environment, and (2) research how the debris environment varies over time to better understand what behaviors may be able to mitigate the growth of the environment. 

The quality and quantity of data available to the NASA Orbital Debris Program Office (ODPO) for the building, verification, and validation of the ORDEM model is greater than for any other entity that performs similar research. Many of the models used by other research and engineering organizations are derived from the models that ODPO has published after developing them for use in ORDEM.   

ORDEM Team 

  • Alyssa Manis 
  • Andrew B, Vavrin 
  • Brent A. Buckalew 
  • Christopher L. Ostrom  
  • Heather Cowardin 
  • Jer-chyi Liou  
  • John H, Seago  
  • John Nicolaus Opiela  
  • Mark J. Matney, Ph.D. 
  • Matthew Horstman  
  • Phillip D. Anz-Meador, Ph.D. 
  • Quanette Juarez  
  • Paula H. Krisko, Ph.D. 
  • Yu-Lin Xu, Ph.D. 

Share

Details

Last Updated
Jul 31, 2024
Editor
Bill Keeter

View the full article

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Similar Topics

    • By Space Force
      This achievement was driven by the base's commitment to innovation, revising practices and procedures and close partnerships with launch and test mission partners.

      View the full article
    • By NASA
      Climate change presents one of the most urgent crises of our time, with increasing threats to life, infrastructure, economies, and ecosystems worldwide. Climate change is no longer a distant concern; its effects are being felt now and are projected to intensify if emissions continue unabated. The consequences are severe and irreversible for people today, with rapidly shrinking glaciers and ice sheets, rising sea levels, and more intense heat waves already occurring. Scientists predict even more profound impacts, such as an increase in the frequency and intensity of wildfires, extended drought periods, and stronger tropical cyclones. By 2100, sea levels could rise by up to 6.5 feet1, displacing coastal communities and disrupting ecosystems. In the U.S., the effects vary by region—wildfires in the West have doubled in area burned, and rising sea levels threaten infrastructure in the Southeast. Innovative, data-driven solutions are essential to mitigate these growing risks. From the unique vantage point in space, NASA collects critical long-term observations of our changing planet. NASA produces vast amounts of Earth system science data from satellites, radars, and ships, as well as model outputs, offering a wealth of opportunities for innovative thinkers to leverage these sources. The Sustainable Business Model Challenge is designed to identify and foster sustainable business models built around NASA’s Earth system science data. This challenge invites entrepreneurs, researchers, startups, and innovators to use NASA’s publicly available climate and Earth system data sources to create sustainable business models to address climate challenges.
      Award: $100,000 in total prizes
      Open Date: January 16, 2025
      Close Date: June 13, 2025
      For more information, visit: https://nasabusinesschallenge.org/
      View the full article
    • By NASA
      6 Min Read NASA International Space Apps Challenge Announces 2024 Global Winners
      The 2024 NASA Space Apps Challenge was hosted at 485 events in 163 countries and territories. Credits: NASA NASA Space Apps has named 10 global winners, recognizing teams from around the world for their exceptional innovation and collaboration during the 2024 NASA Space Apps Challenge. As the largest annual global hackathon, this event invites participants to leverage open data from NASA and its space agency partners to tackle real-world challenges on Earth and in space.
      Last year’s hackathon welcomed 93,520 registered participants, including space, science, technology, and storytelling enthusiasts of all ages. Participants gathered at local events in 163 countries and territories, forming teams to address the challenges authored by NASA subject matter experts. These challenges included subjects/themes/questions in ocean ecosystems, exoplanet exploration, Earth observation, planetary seismology, and more.
      The 2024 Global Winners were determined out of 9,996 project submissions and judged by subject matter experts from NASA and space agency partners.
      “These 10 exceptional teams created projects that reflect our commitment to understanding our planet and exploring beyond, with the potential to transform Earth and space science for the benefit of all,” said Dr. Keith Gaddis, NASA Space Apps Challenge program scientistat NASA Headquarters in Washington. “The NASA Space Apps Challenge showcases the potential of every idea and individual. I am excited to see how these innovators will shape and inspire the future of science and exploration.”
      You can watch the Global Winners Announcement here to meet these winning teams and learn about the inspiration behind their projects.
      2024 NASA Space Apps Challenge Global Winners
      Best Use of Science Award: WMPGang
      Team Members: Dakota C., Ian C., Maximilian V., Simon S.
      Challenge: Create an Orrery Web App that Displays Near-Earth Objects
      Country/Territory: Waterloo,Canada
      Using their skills in programming, data analysis, and visualization, WMPGang created a web app that identifies satellite risk zones using real-time data on Near-Earth Objects and meteor streams.
      Learn more about WMPGang’s SkyShield: Protecting Earth and Satellites from Space Hazards project Best Use of Data Award: GaamaRamma
      Team Members: Aakash H., Arun G., Arthur A., Gabriel A., May K.
      Challenge: Leveraging Earth Observation Data for Informed Agricultural Decision-Making
      Country/Territory: Universal Event, United States
      GaamaRamma’s team of tech enthusiasts aimed to create a sustainable way to help farmers efficiently manage water availability in the face of drought, pests, and disease.
      Learn more about GaamaRamma’s Waterwise project Best Use of Technology Award: 42 QuakeHeroes
      Team Members: Alailton A., Ana B., Gabriel C., Gustavo M., Gustavo T., Larissa M.
      Challenge: Seismic Detection Across the Solar System
      Country/Territory: Maceió, Brazil
      Team 42 QuakeHeroes employed a deep neural network model to identify the precise locations of seismic events within time-series data. They used advanced signal processing techniques to isolate and analyze unique components of non-stationary signals.
      Learn more about 42 QuakeHeroes’ project Galactic Impact Award: NVS-knot
      Team Members: Oksana M., Oleksandra M., Prokipchyn Y., Val K.
      Challenge:  Leveraging Earth Observation Data for Informed Agricultural Decision-Making
      Country/Territory: Kyiv, Ukraine
      The NVS-knot team assessed planting conditions using surface soil moisture and evapotranspiration data, then created an app that empowers farmers to manage planting risks.
      Learn more about NVS-knot’s 2plant | ! 2plant project Best Mission Concept Award: AsturExplorers
      Team Members: Coral M., Daniel C., Daniel V., Juan B., Samuel G., Vladimir C.
      Challenge: Landsat Reflectance Data: On the Fly and at Your Fingertips
      Country/Territory: Gijón, Spain
      AsturExplorers created Landsat Connect, a web app that provides a simple, intuitive way to track Landast satellites and access Landsat surface reflectance data. The app also allows users to set a target location and receive notifications when Landsat satellites pass over their area.
      Learn more about AsturExplorers’ Landsat Connect project Most Inspirational Award: Innovisionaries
      Team Members: Rikzah K., Samira K., Shafeeqa J., Umamah A.
      Challenge: SDGs in the Classroom
      Country/Territory: Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
      Innovisionaries developed Eco-Metropolis to inspire sustainability through gameplay. This city-building game engages players in making critical urban planning and resource management decisions based on real-world environmental data.
      Learn more about Innovisionaries’ Eco-Metropolis: Sustainable City Simulation project Best Storytelling Award: TerraTales
      Team Members: Ahmed R., Fatma E., Habiba A., Judy A., Maya M.
      Challenge: Tell Us a Climate Story!
      Country/Territory: Cairo, Egypt
      TerraTales shared stories of how Earth’s changing climate affects three unique regions: Egypt, Brazil, and Germany. The web app also features an artificial intelligence (AI) model for climate forecasting and an interactive game to encourage users to make eco-friendly choices.
      Learn more about TerraTale’s project Global Connection Award: Asteroid Destroyer
      Team Members: Kapeesh K., Khoi N., Sathyajit L., Satyam S.
      Challenge: Navigator for the Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO): Mapping the Characterizable Exoplanets in our Galaxy
      Country/Territory: Saskatoon, Canada
      Team Asteroid Destroyer honed in on exoplanets, utilizing data processing and machine learning techniques to map exoplanets based on size, temperature, and distance.
      Learn more about Asteroid Destroyer’s project Art & Technology Award: Connected Earth Museum
      Team Members: Gabriel M., Luc R., Lucas R., Mattheus L., Pedro C., Riccardo S.
      Challenge: Imagine our Connected Earth
      Country/Territory: Campinas, Brazil
      Team Connected Earth Museum created an immersive virtual museum experience to raise awareness of Earth’s changing climate. An AI host guides users through an interactive gallery featuring 3D and 2D visualizations, including a time series on Earth and ocean temperatures, population density, wildfires, and more.
      Learn more about Connected Earth Museums’ project Local Impact Award: Team I.O.
      Team Members: Frank R., Jan K., Raphael R., Ryan Z., Victoria M.
      Challenge: Community Mapping
      Country/Territory: Florianópolis, Brazil
      Team I.O. bridges the gap between complex Geographic Information Systems data and user-friendly communication, making critical environmental information accessible to everyone, regardless of technical expertise.
      Learn more about Team I.O.’s G.R.O.W. (Global Recovery and Observation of Wildfires) project Want to take part in the 2025 NASA Space Apps Challenge? Mark your calendars for October 4 and 5! Registration will open in July. At that time, participants will be able to register for a local event hosted by NASA Space Apps leads from around the world. You can stay connected with NASA Space Apps on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
      Space Apps is funded by NASA’s Earth Science Division through a contract with Booz Allen Hamilton, Mindgrub, and SecondMuse.
      Share
      Details
      Last Updated Jan 16, 2025 Related Terms
      STEM Engagement at NASA Earth View the full article
    • By Space Force
      The Space Force Year in Review is a collection of photos that showcase the men and women of the U.S. Space Force participating in activities and operations necessary to develop and protect U.S. interests in space.

      View the full article
    • By Space Force
      The Space Force Year in Review is a collection of photos that showcase the men and women of the U.S. Space Force participating in activities and operations necessary to develop and protect U.S. interests in space.

      View the full article
  • Check out these Videos

×
×
  • Create New...