Comparison of Tethered Post-Capture System Models for Space Debris Removal

The space debris problem poses a huge threat to operational satellites and has to be addressed. Multiple removal methods have been proposed to keep Earth’s orbit stable. Flexible connection capturing methods, such as the harpoon system, tether–gripper system and the net system, are potential candidate methods for space debris removal in the future. However, the tethered system is usually assumed as a dumbbell model where two end masses are connected by a rigid bar. This traditional model is not accurate enough to predict the motion of the target, neither the whole system. In this paper, three models, namely the modified dumbbell model, lumped-mass model and the ANCF model, to describe a tethered post-capture system for space debris removal are described and compared. Moreover, modal analysis of the tethered system is performed, and an analytical solution of the system’s natural frequency is derived. In addition, two configurations of the tethered system, namely the single tether configuration and the sub-tether configuration are simulated and compared based on three models, respectively. Finally, the influence on the chaser satellite by the initial angular velocity of the target is analyzed.

Mission Planning of GEO Active Debris Removal Based on Revolver Mode

The mission planning of active debris removal (ADR) of revolver mode on geosynchronous orbit (GEO) is studied in this paper. It is assumed that there are one service satellite, one space depot, and some pieces of space debris in the ADR mission. The service satellite firstly rendezvouses with the debris and then releases the thruster deorbit kits (TDKs), which are carried with the satellite, to push the debris to the graveyard orbit. Space depot will provide replenishment for the service satellite. The purpose of this mission planning is to optimize the ADR sequence of the service satellite, which represents the chronological order, in which the service satellite approaches different debris. In this paper, the mission cost will be stated firstly, and then a mathematical optimization model is proposed. ADR sequence and orbital transfer time are used as designed variables, whereas the fuel consumption in the whole mission is regarded as objective for optimizing, and a specific number of TDKs is also a new constraint. Then, two-level optimization is proposed to solve the mission planning problem, which is low-level for finding optimal transfer orbit using accelerated particle swarm optimization (APSO) algorithm and up-level for finding best mission sequence using immune genetic (IGA) algorithm. Numerical simulations are carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness of the model and the optimization method. Results show that TDK number influences the fuel consumption through impacting the replenishing frequency and TDK redundancy. To reduce fuel consumption, the TDK number should be optimized and designed with suitable replenishing frequency and minimum TDK redundancy.

Removal of Woody Debris from Logging Gaps Influences Soil Physical and Chemical Properties in the Short Term: A Study Case in Central Amazonia

Generally, woody residues generated from logging remain on site, although recently, forest managers have been harvesting this material for energy generation. We evaluated the impact on an Oxisol’s physical and chemical properties after removal of residues (coarse woody debris, CWD) from logging-created gaps. The logging operations occurred on private timberland in the Central Amazon. Eighteen months after creation of the gaps, soil samples were taken up to 150 cm depth in each treatment: mature undisturbed forest (FOR), gaps with residues retained on site (RET), and gaps with removal of large branches greater than 10 cm in diameter that were from logging (REM). Clay content, up to 20 cm depth, was higher in RET and REM soils than in FOR soils. Soil bulk density values increased progressively from areas of FOR to RET and REM at 0–5 cm. The highest carbon and nutrient contents were observed in the 0–5 and 5–10 cm soil layers of RET. In the 10–30 cm depth, the contents of all nutrients, except phosphorus, were higher in REM soils. According to these short-term results, it is not possible to affirm categorically that the removal of CWD has a negative impact on the nutrient status of soils in gaps created by logging operations. Study Implications: This study aimed to investigate the influence of coarse woody debris removal for energy generation on soil nutrients in a logging area in the Amazonas state, Brazil. We compared three areas, one in which the residues were removed from the gaps, another where residues in gaps were retained, and one undisturbed natural forest as control. We found that coarse wood debris removal does not significantly change soil physical properties. On the other hand, removal accelerates leaching of nutrients to greater soil depths and leads to higher calcium contents in depths to 150 cm, although the soil phosphorus decreases after debris removal.