Satellite Collision Risk Analysis System using TLE-Based Orbital Visualization

Authors

  • Sakthi Priyadharsan A, Damotharan S, Sanjay V K, Mr.Udaya Kumar.N Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Vels Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies (VISTAS), Chennai, India Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15662/IJEETR.2026.0802049

Keywords:

Satellite collision risk, space debris, TLE, orbital analysis, conjunction prediction, orbital visualization

Abstract

The increasing population of operational satellites and space debris in Earth orbit has significantly raised the risk of in-orbit collisions, threatening critical space infrastructure. This project presents a Satellite Collision Risk Analysis System using TLE-Based Orbital Visualization, designed to predict close approaches between satellites and orbital debris. The system utilizes publicly available Two-Line Element (TLE) data to propagate satellite and debris orbits over a user- defined time period. By computing relative distances between objects, the system identifies potential conjunction events and determines key parameters such as time of closest approach (TCA) and miss distance. A graphical user interface developed in MATLAB allows users to select satellite and debris TLE files, define analysis duration and threshold distance, and visualize distance-versus-time plots for risk assessment. Additionally, a 3D orbital visualization module provides an intuitive representation of satellite and debris trajectories around Earth, enhancing situational awareness. The proposed system offers a practical and efficient tool for preliminary collision risk assessment and contributes to improved space situational awareness and satellite safety

References

1) S. K. Tealib, A. M. Abdelaziz, I. E. Molotov, X. Yang, J. Sun and J. Liu, “Enhanced Conjunction Assessment in LEO: A Hybrid Monte Carlo and Spline-Based Method Using TLE Data,” Aerospace, vol. 12, no. 8, p. 674, 2025.

2) M. D. Hejduk and R. C. Frigm, “Satellite Conjunction Assessment and Collision Avoidance,” NASA Technical Report, 2015.

3) B. K. Mashiku and L. K. Newman, “Conjunction Assessment Risk Analysis Compendium for AI and Machine Learning for Satellite Collision Avoidance,” NASA Technical Reports Server, 2025.

4) A. Levit and W. Marshall, “Improved Orbit Predictions Using Two-Line Elements,” Acta Astronautica, 2010.

5) C.Nagarajan and M.Madheswaran - ‘Stability Analysis of Series Parallel Resonant Converter with Fuzzy Logic Controller Using State Space Techniques’- Taylor &Francis, Electric Power Components and Systems, Vol.39 (8), pp.780-793, May 2011. DOI: 10.1080/15325008.2010.541746

6) C.Nagarajan and M.Madheswaran - ‘Experimental verification and stability state space analysis of CLL-T Series Parallel Resonant Converter’ - Journal of Electrical Engineering, Vol.63 (6), pp.365-372, Dec.2012. DOI: 10.2478/v10187-012-0054-2

7) C.Nagarajan and M.Madheswaran - ‘Performance Analysis of LCL-T Resonant Converter with Fuzzy/PID Using State Space Analysis’- Springer, Electrical Engineering, Vol.93 (3), pp.167-178, September 2011. DOI 10.1007/s00202-011-0203-9

8) S.Tamilselvi, R.Prakash, C.Nagarajan,“Solar System Integrated Smart Grid Utilizing Hybrid Coot-Genetic Algorithm Optimized ANN Controller” Iranian Journal Of Science And Technology-Transactions Of Electrical Engineering, DOI10.1007/s40998-025-00917-z,2025

9) S.Tamilselvi, R.Prakash, C.Nagarajan,“ Adaptive sliding mode control of multilevel grid-connected inverters using reinforcement learning for enhanced LVRT performance” Electric Power Systems Research 253 (2026) 112428, doi.org/10.1016/j.epsr.2025.112428

10) S.Thirunavukkarasu, C. Nagarajan, 2024, “Performance Investigation on OCF and SCF study in BLDC machine using FTANN Controller," Journal of Electrical Engineering And Technology, Volume 20, pages 2675–2688, (2025), doi.org/10.1007/s42835-024-02126-w

11) Nagarajan, M.Madheswaran and D.Ramasubramanian- ‘Development of DSP based Robust Control Method for General Resonant Converter Topologies using Transfer Function Model’- Acta Electrotechnica et Informatica Journal , Vol.13 (2), pp.18-31,April-June.2013, DOI: 10.2478/aeei-2013-0025.

12) C.Nagarajan and M.Madheswaran - ‘DSP Based Fuzzy Controller for Series Parallel Resonant converter’- Springer, Frontiers of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Vol. 7(4), pp. 438-446, Dec.12. DOI 10.1007/s11460-012-

13) C.Nagarajan and M.Madheswaran - ‘Experimental Study and steady state stability analysis of CLL-T Series Parallel Resonant Converter with Fuzzy controller using State Space Analysis’- Iranian Journal of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Vol.8 (3), pp.259-267, September 2012.

14) C.Nagarajan and M.Madheswaran, “Analysis and Simulation of LCL Series Resonant Full Bridge Converter Using PWM Technique with Load Independent Operation” has been presented in ICTES’08, a IEEE / IET International Conference organized by M.G.R.University, Chennai.Vol.no.1, pp.190-195, Dec.2007

15) Suganthi Mullainathan, Ramesh Natarajan, “An SPSS and CNN modelling based quality assessment using ceramic materials and membrane filtration techniques”, Revista Materia (Rio J.) Vol. 30, 2025, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1590/1517-7076-RMAT-2024-0721

16) M Suganthi, N Ramesh, “Treatment of water using natural zeolite as membrane filter”, Journal of Environmental Protection and Ecology, Volume 23, Issue 2, pp: 520-530,2022

17) S. Elkantassi et al., “Statistical Inference on Miss Distance Compared to Collision Probability for Conjunction Analysis,” 2025.

18) J. Suh et al., “Encrypted Computation of Collision Probability for Secure Satellite Conjunction Analysis,” 2025.

19) M. Ballard, G. Song, and T. Zhu, “Analyzing the Impact of Satellite Collisions and Debris Accumulation,” 2025.

20) Berry, J. Guinn, Z. Tarzi, and S. Demcak, “Automated Spacecraft Conjunction Assessment,” Space Operations Conference, 2012.

21) Z. Tarzi, D. Berry, and R. Roncoli, “Updated Process for Automated Deep Space Conjunction Assessment,” International Symposium on Space Flight Dynamics, 2015.

22) Berry, Z. Tarzi, R. Roncoli, and R. Wilson, “Automated Spacecraft Conjunction Assessment at Mars and the Moon,” 2014.

23) NASA, “Conjunction Assessment Risk Analysis (CARA) Program Overview,” NASA Space Safety Documentation.

24) H. Klinkrad, Space Debris: Models and Risk Analysis, Springer, 2006.

25) N. L. Johnson et al., “NASA’s New Breakup Model of EVOLVE 4.0,” Advances in Space Research, 2001.

26) T. Kelso, “Analysis of the 2009 Iridium-33 and Cosmos-2251 Satellite Collision,” Space Track Report, 2009.

27) J. Liou and N. Johnson, “Risks in Space from Orbiting Debris,” Science Journal, 2006.

28) M. Jah, “Space Object Behavior Understanding and Prediction for Space Situational Awareness,” 2017.

29) P. Anselmo and C. Pardini, “Space Debris Environment Evolution and Collision Risk Assessment,” Acta Astronautica, 2009.

30) Vallado and P. Crawford, “SGP4 Orbit Determination Model and Satellite Propagation,” AIAA, 2008.

31) A. Vallado and P. Crawford, “SGP4 Orbit Determination and Propagation Model Revisited,” AIAA/AAS Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, 2008.

32) T. S. Kelso, “Validation of Satellite Orbital Models Using Two-Line Element Sets,” AIAA/AAS Astrodynamics Conference, 2007.

33) J. Liou, “An Active Debris Removal Parametric Study for LEO Environment Remediation,” Advances in Space Research, vol. 47, no. 11, pp. 1865–1876, 2011.

34) H. Klinkrad, “Collision Risk Analysis for Earth-Orbiting Satellites,” Advances in Space Research, vol. 34, no. 5, pp. 981–986, 2004.

35) N. L. Johnson, “Orbital Debris: The Growing Threat to Space Operations,” Proceedings of the IEEE, vol. 96, no. 3, pp. 518–527, 2008.

36) Letizia, S. Lemmens, and H. Krag, “Assessment of Collision Avoidance Manoeuvres in Low Earth Orbit,” Acta Astronautica, vol. 128, pp. 291–299, 2016.

37) J. L. Crassidis and F. L. Markley, Fundamentals of Spacecraft Attitude Determination and Control, Springer, 2014.

38) S. Alfano, “Review of Conjunction Probability Methods for Spacecraft Collision Avoidance,” Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics, vol. 28, no. 3, pp. 595–603, 2005.

39) C. Bombardelli and J. Pelaez, “Impact Risk Assessment of Space Debris on Operational Satellites,” Acta Astronautica, vol. 89, pp. 1–12, 2013.

40) S. Lemmens and H. Krag, “Space Debris Mitigation and Collision Avoidance Strategies,” European Space Agency Technical Report, 2017.

Downloads

Published

2026-03-28

How to Cite

Satellite Collision Risk Analysis System using TLE-Based Orbital Visualization. (2026). International Journal of Engineering & Extended Technologies Research (IJEETR), 8(2), 916-924. https://doi.org/10.15662/IJEETR.2026.0802049