Space Debris Mitigation Essay

1 Introduction

1.1 The Debris Problem

There are currently over 13,000 satellites and other large objects in orbit around the Earth, and there are countless smaller pieces of debris generated by spacecraft explosions and by collisions between satellites. Until recently, it has been standard practice to put a satellite into orbit and leave it there. However, the number of satellites has grown quickly, and as a result, the amount of orbital debris is growing rapidly. Because this debris is travelling at orbital speeds (7-8 km/s), it poses a significant threat to the space shuttle, the International Space Station, and the many satellites in Earth orbit.

This problem can only be solved globally.Travelling at up to 28,000 kilometres (17,500 miles)

1.2.1 Space Debris Mitigation

Mitigation measures ranges from reducing the current growth of space debris by implementing operation procedures such as choosing orbits with less risk of collision with debris. The combustion product of solid rocket motors (SRM) represents a particular category of debris and The most serious non-fragmentation debris source. Solid rocket motors are often used in upper stages, or directly integrated into some satellites to perform an orbital transfer between the Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO) and Geosynchronous Equatorial Orbit (GEO). Figure 1.4 Technologies for Space Debris

Generally, A vehicle in a higher orbit will attach a tether to a lower vehicle. The difference in velocity and perturbing accelerations will cause both vehicles to swing along an arc defined by the joining tether. If the lower object is released at the point of greatest retrograde velocity, Then lower its perigee while the apogee will be raised for the higher object. Conceptually, the momentum exchange good for ADR activities. In theoretical need shows that a 10 km tether would be required to lower orbit altitude by 100 km. This method tethers infeasible due to the increased collision hazard presented by the large tether