Recent developments in space debris environment modelling, verification and validation with master

The MASTER (Meteoroid And Space debris Terrestrial Environment Reference) model is being developed by ESA (European Space Agency) and needs to be continuously maintained due to the dynamic nature of the space debris environment. The most recent version is MASTER-8 and it was released in March 2019. In this paper, it is shown how the model is being developed and the way the individual source models are verified and validated. This includes the revision of past breakup events, the addition and calibration of new events and the addition of an entirely new model to consider NaK leakage events. The approach to derive flux uncertainties in the model is described. An important aspect for many mission designs is MASTER’s capability to provide flux projections for future dates. The current model assumptions are explained and potential improvements in that direction are outlined. Finally, an outlook will be provided on how MASTER is envisioned to become part of ESA’s Debris Mitigation Facility (DMF).