scholarly journals Space Debris Environmental Evolutionary Model in Low Earth Orbit

Author(s):  
Tomohiro NARUMI ◽  
Toshiya HANADA ◽  
Satomi KAWAMOTO
1991 ◽  
Vol 126 ◽  
pp. 37-40
Author(s):  
J.A.M. McDonnell ◽  
K. Sullivan ◽  
S.F. Green ◽  
T.J. Stevenson ◽  
D.H. Niblett

AbstractA simple dynamic model to investigate the relative fluxes and particle velocities on a spacecraft’s different faces is presented. The results for LDEF are consistent with a predominantly interplanetary origin for the larger particulates, but a sizable population of orbital particles with sizes capable of penetrating foils of thickness <30μm. Data from experiments over the last 30 years do not show the rise in flux expected if these were space debris. The possibility of a population of natural orbital particulates awaits confirmation from chemical residue analysis.


1995 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claude Phipps

So-called “space junk” forced a change of plan for a recent Shuttle mission. However, ground-based lasers with atmospheric-turbulence-compensating beam directors represent a singularly effective method of de-orbiting space junk, because they use cheap Earth-based power, and because they lend themselves to rapid retargeting. Plasma physics and lasertarget interaction theory dictate the laser parameters for a particular mission. We will discuss a practical laser system and beam director with 20-kW average power at 0.5-µm wavelength that is capable of clearing most low-Earth-orbit objects with mass less than 100 kg in about 4 years. This is a special application of the Laser Impulse Space Propulsion (LISP) concept, by which objects are propelled in space by the ablation jet produced on their surface by a remote laser.


2012 ◽  
Vol 62 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Milani ◽  
D. Farnocchia ◽  
L. Dimare ◽  
A. Rossi ◽  
F. Bernardi

Author(s):  
Yuki Mando ◽  
Koji Tanaka ◽  
Takayuki Hirai ◽  
Shirou Kawakita ◽  
Masumi Higashide ◽  
...  

Abstract Space debris travels at a velocity of 7-8 km/s in low Earth orbit (LEO) and at 3 km/s in geostationary Earth orbit (GEO). An impact between space debris and spacecraft will result in tremendous damage. In particular, particles less than 1mm in diameter pose a risk of causing permanent sustained discharge (PSD). PSD may affect a satellite’s power system. The effect on solar arrays has been well-studied given their large area, but the effect on the bundle of a satellite’s wire harness (called the power harness) has yet to be clarified, even though the power harness is usually exposed to the space environment without protection. We conducted hypervelocity impact experiments using a two-stage light gas gun, and investigated the risk resulting in PSD from hypervelocity impacts of particles less than 1mm in size. In addition, we compared two kinds of circuit configurations: a more realistic circuit configuration with internal resistance and a circuit configuration without it, so as to investigate whether internal resistance affects the occurrence of PSD. Stainless steel and aluminum oxide projectiles measuring from 0.3 to 1 mm in diameter were gun-accelerated up to 7.16 km/s. Targets entailed a three-layered power harness under a simulated power condition of typical satellites operating in LEO or GEO. As a result, 11 of 28 shots resulted in PSD. With the more realistic circuit configuration we could not confirm any results regarding PSD. We thus found that PSD is less likely to occur in a more realistic circuit configuration.


2015 ◽  
Vol 781 ◽  
pp. 495-499
Author(s):  
Manop Aorpimai ◽  
Pornthep Navakitkanok

In this paper, we investigate a practical strategy for de-orbiting the retired satellite in low-Earth orbit for the space debris mitigation. The only means available onboard the spacecraft for performing the task is the chemical propulsion system with limited propellant provided. It is proposed to reduce the orbital perigee to reach a certain level where the atmospheric drag can play its role in lowering the satellite altitude, and eventually bringing it to re-entry within a defined period of time. The required delta-V is divided into a series under the constraints on the propulsion system and orbit control manoeuvre implementation. The results from the flight dynamics simulator suggest that a fraction of the remaining propellant available on the demonstrating mission, the Thaichote satellite, would be sufficient to accomplish the task. The strategy implementation will be another vital step in transferring the spacecraft to a safe passive state, where the fuel tank is empty, all batteries are discharged and all electronic devices are deactivated.


1991 ◽  
Vol 112 ◽  
pp. 113-114
Author(s):  
Donald J. Kessler

The amount of man-made debris in orbit is now sufficient to create a flux in some regions of low Earth orbit which exceeds the flux of natural meteoroids. The primary source for this debris is from the fragmentation, or disintegration, of spacecraft. Future debris can be expected to result from random collisions between orbiting objects. This debris will require additional shielding for some spacecraft, will contaminate some types of meteoroid experiments, and contaminate some types of astronomical observations. Steps are being taken to minimize the accumulation of future debris.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document