International ISON project & databases on space debris and asteroids

Abstract

The exploration and investigation of near-Earth outer space (NES) have highlighted attention to potential threats, namely the dangers posed by asteroids and the emergence of techno-genic pollution known as space debris (SD). To address these challenges, an international initiative known as the ISON Optical Observatories Global Network was established. The International Scientific Optical Network (ISON) volunteer project commenced in 2004 intending to serve as an open repository of scientific data related to NES objects. At its zenith, the project collaborated with 33 observatories across 17 countries, operating 100 telescopes. Currently, ISON conducts its research using approximately 50 optical telescopes situated in 23 observatories across Europe, Asia, the Far East, Africa, and North & South America. The network is coordinated in conjunction with the dedicated company Research and Development Institution ISON Orbital Dynamics (RD ISON-OD), which owns 32 telescopes, observation scheduling centers, and databases focusing on SD and asteroids. ISON actively monitors the entire Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) region, tracking objects at GEO, Geostationary transfer orbit (GTO), High Earth Orbit (HEO), and Low Earth Orbit (LEO), while also maintaining the orbits of around 10,000 space objects. The data collected by ISON on space debris contribute to validating space debris population models and conducting conjunction assessment analyses for satellites in high orbits. Additionally, ISON is developing technology for asteroid surveys using small telescopes, providing follow-up observations, and conducting regular photometry observations of near-Earth asteroids. The project has resulted in the discovery of approximately 1600 new asteroids, obtaining 1.25 million astrometry measurements, and acquiring around 700 light curves for 300 asteroids. Space debris represents a unique subject of study, as it intersects the interests of various industries, scientific institutions, and governmental agencies.