Feasibility Study of Active Debris Removal using Hybrid Propulsion System
- Paper number
IAC-16,A6,IP,12,x32699
- Coauthor
Dr. Stefania Tonetti, Deimos Space SLU, Spain
- Coauthor
Ms. Stefania Cornara, Deimos Space S.L., Spain
- Coauthor
Dr. Martina Faenza, Nammo Raufoss, Norway
- Coauthor
Dr. Onno Verberne, Nammo Raufoss, Norway
- Coauthor
Dr. Tobias Langener, ESA, The Netherlands
- Coauthor
Mr. Gonzalo Vicario de Miguel, Deimos Space SLU, Spain
- Year
2016
- Abstract
Hundreds of satellites populate the Earth-bounded orbits, and this number is rapidly increasing. These objects are a threat as they can collide with other satellites, in turn creating new debris objects. Several collisions have already occurred and the population of debris will keep growing if no measures are taken to mitigate the generation of space debris by implementing proper policies and mission design standards, as well as to remove space debris in the future. This paper presents the results of an ESA General Studies Programme (GSP) study, dealing with the feasibility of performing active debris removal (ADR) by using a hybrid propulsion system on the chaser spacecraft. While the study focuses mainly on the use of a hybrid rocket propulsion system on-board a chaser spacecraft that performs ADR, it also preliminarily addresses the application of this innovative propulsion technology for debris mitigation purposes. Hybrid propulsion systems seem to be a promising alternative to conventional liquid propellant in-orbit propulsion systems, in terms of complexity, cost, operational advantages, whilst also offering the use of non-toxic fuel. The study is carried out by Deimos Space, expert in mission analysis, and Nammo Raufoss, expert in hybrid propulsion. A survey of LEO in-orbit spacecraft, under current design and planned future missions, allows the identification of a set of orbits and satellites (about 130) that are interesting targets for an ADR mission. Parametric analyses, covering different target orbit altitudes and masses, are performed to compute the delta-V that a chaser spacecraft should provide to remove the identified objects. For the ADR mission analysis, three different propulsive phases are studied: 1) transfer to target orbit, considering Vega as baseline launcher and maximizing the chaser mass at target orbit; 2) approach to target, analysing far and close rendezvous; 3) de-orbit and re-entry, both controlled and un-controlled, considering different strategies and ballistic coefficients, typical thrust-to-mass ratios for hybrid propulsion system and gravity losses. The parametric delta-V collected from the propulsive phases with adequate margins is considered as input for sizing the hybrid propulsion system for selected targets with the goal of identifying the most promising debris-altitude combinations that can be removed with such kind of technology. All the main components of the propulsion system are sized and the hybrid motor performance and behaviour are assessed. A trade-off with chemical propulsion systems typically used on spacecraft is performed, identifying advantages of hybrid propulsion systems and technology gaps to cover.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
(absent)