Researchers Release MOCAT, An Open-Source Space Debris Modeling Tool
- Tate Few
- Jan 15, 2024
- 1 min read
MIT's Astrodynamics, Space Robotics, and Controls Lab (ARCLab) announced the release of the MIT Orbital Capacity Assessment Tool (MOCAT). MOCAT enables users to model the long-term future space environment. Whereby, users can track the growth or successful mitigation of debris.
MOCAT becoming public is a large-step forward, as its modeling capabilities include tracking individual objects, diverse parameters, orbital characteristics, fragmentation scenarios, and collision probabilities. [MOCAT will help advance the Space Debris Foundation's ability to analyze the orbital environment].
In addition to being a tool for our use, it will empower stakeholders, including satellite operators, regulators, and members of the public. This open-source tool will help achieve consensus on actions to improve space sustainability.