Researchers Release MOCAT, An Open-Source Space Debris Modeling Tool

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.