DEBIE (Debris In-orbit Evaluator) is a low-cost sensor to monitor sub-millimeter size particulate distribution in near Earth space.
DEBIE sensor units are designed to measure the mass and impact speed of high velocity sub-millimeter particles. These may be of natural origin, such as remnants of comets, asteroids and meteoroids, or they can be man-made debris from spacecrafts. It is important to gather information of their mass and velocity distribution as well as their typical trajectories, because the tiny particles present a potential hazard for spacecraft. Despite the insignificant mass of these dust grains, they have such a high velocity that the impact energy is capable of damaging or destroying parts of a spacecraft.
The first instrument was launched in PROBA-1 satellite in October 2001. The second set of detectors was installed on the INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION in February 2008. After one and a half years of successful operation it was returned to Earth in September 2009.
The aim of the design work is to produce a light weight standard instrument with low energy consumption, which is easy to install into different satellites.
The complete instrument consists of a maximum of four sensors and a central unit. Sensors can be placed on different sides of the satellite, which enables the measurement of particles approaching simultaneously from different directions.
Oxford Instruments Analytical Oy manufactures the mechanics, Patria Systems Oy electronics and central unit. Space Systems Finland Oy makes the software.