Innovative solution to deorbit space debris in LEO by means of low-cost swarm of autonomous inflatable nano-satellites
- Paper number
IAC-08.A6.4.10
- Author
Mr. David Zusiman, Spacecom, Israel
- Coauthor
Mr. Tal Inbar, Fisher Institute for Air and Space Strategic Studies, Israel
- Year
2008
- Abstract
The problem of space debris orbiting the Earth is getting more severe every year. Some orbits are so full of space debris that it is becoming an issue in the mission planning of satellites and more strictly manned missions. As more of ASAT systems tests will be conducted or even become operational, the hazards of space debris will increase exponentially with some studies show that in some scenarios this will force the LEO to become utterly inert for satellites and manned missions Thus, the wish of cleaning the space is some decades old since the first sputnik and plentiful of studies have been done in this area. But until today no operational systems was suggested to be tested and proved in orbit. Moreover, simple and cost-effective satellites are being launched today and together with advancements in simple deployable mechanisms and also shown today some techniques of orbital maneuvering using non-active means such as tethers, deployables and magnetotorquers. More than ever, today we’re close to capabilities that will enable us to start cleaning the space and achieve some milestones in doing so. Cleaning only 5
An innovative solution is presented in the form of numerous, simple and low-cost "cleaning satellites" in the form of a swarm of autonomous inflatable nano-satellites (in cube-sat configuration or else). These swarms will be launched to orbit into specific orbits that are more crowded with space debris or quickly following an ASAT test or a big collision between two or more debris that will form a cloud of debris so to clean it quickly before changing orbits. The nano-satellite will autonomously track debris with simple thermal micro-cameras and with on-board processor will get close to the bigger debris in its line-of-site. The nano-sats will propel itself using cold-gas propulsion in the first version or use also just a combination of tethers and inflatable bags to move in orbit and with magnetotorquers to align itself to the target. Finally, when reaching close encounter with the object the nano-sat will magnetically or in other method will attach itself to its target, inflate its bags using the cold gas in its systems. The formation and configuration of the bags, will be discussed in the article. The entire system of the debris and the inflatable nano-sats will increase its drag to be some ten folds than the debris itself (to be stated in the article) and in turn will cause de orbiting of the debris. The nano-sats, if being expandable will disintegrate in the atmosphere or if being recoverable, will in time ,detach itself from the debris and will continue to the other one. This solution will use miniature bus, GPS based navigation system, cold gas propulsion, electro magnetic attachment mechanism, inflatable bags and will also include telemetry system for tracking and evaluation of its status by the ground control center but will be perfectly autonomous in the finer versions of the suggested system to act completely autonomously The proposal is to test the concept in orbit, and after an evaluation period to launch a cluster of debris removing satellites into specific orbits, crowded with orbital space debris. A single launch could easily handle dozens of this "space cleaners". To sum it up, a solution like this as low-cost, simple and proficient is only one of the solutions that can be brought to mind to help humanity keep the final frontier clean.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
(absent)