Debris Removal Satellite Capture Above Congested Orbits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing debris removal technologies fail to prevent space debris from intruding into congested orbits or regions, as exemplified by the towing satellite technology disclosed in Patent Literature 1, which does not address the risk of collisions in such areas.
Innovation Solution
A pre-built debris removal satellite is launched by a rocket and captures debris at an orbital altitude higher than the congested orbit region, and the debris removal satellite is launched by a rocket and captures debris at an orbital altitude higher than the congested orbit region, and then operates a propulsion device to prevent the debris from intruding into the congested orbit region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If debris removal satellite captures debris at orbital altitude higher than congested orbit region, then the risk of collision is reduced, but the complexity of the removal operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The debris removal satellite performs preliminary actions by capturing the debris at a higher orbital altitude before the debris enters the congested orbit region. This preliminary capture prevents the debris from reaching the high-risk congested area, thereby reducing collision risk while managing operational complexity through advance intervention.
2Reliability
If propulsion device is operated to prevent debris intrusion into congested orbit region, then debris removal effectiveness is improved, but propellant consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion device operates to provide partial action sufficient to prevent debris intrusion into the congested orbit region, rather than performing excessive actions. By applying just enough thrust to alter the debris trajectory and keep it out of the congested area, the system achieves effective debris removal while minimizing propellant consumption.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The debris removal method effectively prevents debris from entering congested orbits by capturing and maneuvering it to avoid collisions, ensuring the safety of satellite constellations in high-risk areas.
Implementation Method 1
the debris removal satellite operates a propulsion device with the capture-target debris being captured so as to prevent the capture-target debris from intruding into the congested orbit region
Data Source
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AI summary
A debris removal satellite (300) includes a capture device (135), a thruster (341) of a chemical propulsion method, and a propellant tank (342) to store chemical fuel. A solar array wing (371) is operable in an orbit at an orbital altitude higher than a congested orbit region congested with satellites forming a satellite constellation. The debris removal satellite (300) is built in advance for future use as a satellite to be launched, and when a debris intrusion alarm to give a warning about intrusion of debris into the congested orbit region is issued, propellant is loaded into the propellant tank and the debris removal satellite is launched by a rocket built in advance for future use as a launch rocket. The debris removal satellite (300) captures capture-target debris at an orbital altitude higher than the congested orbit region, and operates a propulsion device (134) with the capture-target debris being captured, so as to prevent the capture-target debris from intruding into the congested orbit region.