Ground Assisted Rendezvous With Geosynchronous Satellites For The Disposal Of Space Debris By Means Of Earth-oriented Tethers
- Paper number
IAC-07-D4.1.01
- Author
Dr. Vladimir A. Chobotov, The Aerospace Corporation, United States
- Coauthor
Dr. Nahum Melamed, The Aerospace Corporation, United States
- Year
2007
- Abstract
Previous studies have shown that extended length Earth-oriented tethers in the geosynchronous (GEO) region can be used to re-orbit satellites to disposal orbits. One such approach involves the deployment of GEO based tethers, collection of debris objects, and the retraction of the deployed tethers to transfer the retracted configuration to a higher energy orbit for debris disposal. The re-extension of the tethers after debris disposal returns the configuration to the near GEO altitude. The practical feasibility of such systems depends on the ability to collect GEO debris objects, attach them to the deployed tether system, and retract the tethers for transfer to the disposal orbits. This study addresses the collection and delivery of the debris objects to the deployed tether system in GEO. The investigation considers the number, type and the characteristics of the debris objects as well as the collection tug that can be ground controlled to detect, rendezvous and dock with the debris objects for their delivery to the tethers system. A total of more than 400 objects are in drift orbits crossing every longitude either below or above the geostationary radius. More than 130 objects are also known to librate around the stable points in GEO with periods of libration up to five or more years. A characterization of the position and velocity of the debris objects relative to the collection tug is investigated. Typical rendezvous performance requirements for uncooperative GEO satellites are examined and the similarities with other approaches such as the ESA’s CX-OLEV commercial mission proposal to extend the life of geostationary telecommunication satellites noted.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-07-D4.1.01.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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