Active Debris Removal Systems
Author
Isabelle Jacobson
PHYS F211X F06, Fall 2018
Professor David Newman
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Space Debris Removal Systems

Space debris low in Earth's orbit has become a significant threat to current and future spacecraft missions.

  • Space debris can collide with and damage spacecraft.
  • These collisions contribute to the cascade effect of space debris.
  • As a result, space debris has become smaller and harder to detect by current systems.

If you are interested in learning about possible methods for active debris removal and technological methods of detecting and avoiding debris, continue reading »

Laser Ablation

Diagram of Debris Removal via Laser Ablation 12
Laser-based systems are another accessible method of removing this small space debris. Simulated results show that a hybrid laser system is highly effective for small debris. In one test described by scientists Wen, Yang, Zhao, Fang, and Wang, debris at an altitude of 800 km was removed with 1553 laser pulses in one pass of the hybrid laser system. The system is capable of producing quick results to eliminate the most dangerous form of low-orbit space debris, which is that under 10-cm.12
Radii and Velocity
Orbit radii and velocity for space debris. Initial P=perigree unit vector, Initial Q= semi-latus rectum unit vector, Mu= geocentric gravitational constant.12
Tangential and Radial Velocity
Tangential and radial velocity. Initial q is initial semi-latus rectum for debris.12

The process of laser ablation is intended to slow large debris so that it may re-enter Earth’s atmosphere. The Trento Institute of Fundamental Physics and Applications (TIFPA) is studying both ground and space lasers to combat debris from multiple angles to eliminate it with more precision than one form of laser can provide.13 By utilizing a combination of space and ground lasers, the debris will be more efficiently slowed and quickly deorbited.
As time passes, the number of debris elements in space increases and the size of the individual debris shards decreases, increasing the area of which the debris is spread over and decreasing its detectability. Technological developments have made detecting small debris possible, and have reduced the risk in maneuvering spacecraft around debris.