Space debris has become a serious problem for the safe
operations of spacecraft in low Earth orbit. Attempts such
as improving trajectory predictions of non-functional objects
in space, guidelines for safer launches nowadays,
and an implementation of post-mission disposal however
will not stop the growth in debris numbers. One solution
for mitigation is therefore the realization of removal missions.
Due to space debris being an issue for all space faring
nations, this paper introduces an exemplary removal mission
for 5 Russian SL-8 rocket bodies at an inclination of
83◦ orbiting at an altitude of 970 km - an area crowded
with space debris and thus involving a high collision risk.
The mission draft presented is based on a main satellite
(Autonomous Debris Removal Satellite - ADReS-A) and
- according to the number of targets - 5 de-orbit kits. The
idea presented includes a parking orbit close to the targets
positions, into which the set-up is launched. While
the kits are equipped with a de-orbit thruster, the task of
ADReS-A is, to approach the uncooperative target, berth
it, stabilize the compound system and attach the de-orbit
kit onto the target. The main satellite will take each deorbit
kit separately to the individual targets, shuttling between
the parking orbit and the target orbits.
A prospect addressing the highly critical situations resulting
from the interaction with an uncooperative target is
given towards the end of the paper with a preliminary design
for a decision process for autonomy.
«Space debris has become a serious problem for the safe
operations of spacecraft in low Earth orbit. Attempts such
as improving trajectory predictions of non-functional objects
in space, guidelines for safer launches nowadays,
and an implementation of post-mission disposal however
will not stop the growth in debris numbers. One solution
for mitigation is therefore the realization of removal missions.
Due to space debris being an issue for all space faring
nations, this paper intro...
»