Visualizing impact probabilities of space debris

We present a new method to assess and visualize the collision risk due to space debris for an orbiting spacecraft. It is based on a parameter space derived from Öpik's studies of close approaches between small Solar System bodies and the planets. By means of this representation, many useful insights into the dynamics of the overall debris population with respect to a selected target can be obtained. The method can also be applied to estimate the increase in impact hazard (e.g., for the International Space Station) associated to fragmentation events occurring on a specific orbit.