Debris Removal Satellite for Preemptive Congested Orbit Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing debris removal technologies fail to prevent space debris from intruding into congested orbits or regions, increasing the risk of collisions with operational satellites.
Innovation Solution
A debris removal satellite equipped with a capture device, propulsion system, and solar array wing, designed for future use, is launched with propellant to capture and maneuver debris at higher altitudes, preventing it from entering congested orbits by altering its trajectory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If debris removal satellite operates at higher orbital altitude to avoid congested orbits, then collision risk is reduced, but ability to remove debris from congested orbits is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The satellite performs preliminary capture of debris at higher orbital altitudes before the debris can descend into congested orbit regions. By acting in advance at safer altitudes, the satellite prevents debris from entering high-risk zones rather than attempting removal from congested areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The satellite serves as an intermediary by capturing debris that would otherwise intrude into congested orbits. It intercepts debris at higher altitudes and acts as a mediator to redirect or remove the debris before it reaches the problematic congested regions.
2Loss of time
If satellite is built in advance for future debris removal missions, then response time to debris intrusion alarms is reduced, but launch and deployment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The debris removal satellite is constructed, tested, and prepared in advance for future missions. By performing all satellite assembly and system integration beforehand, the satellite can be rapidly launched upon receiving a debris intrusion alarm, minimizing response time.
Solution Approach 2:
The satellite system is divided into modular components (capture device, propulsion system, solar array wing, propellant tank) that can be independently prepared and then integrated. This modular approach allows parallel development and reduces overall preparation complexity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If propellant is loaded into propellant tank after satellite construction, then satellite performance is optimized, but additional handling operations are required
Solution Approach 1:
The propellant tank is integrated into the satellite structure during assembly, and propellant loading is scheduled as a preliminary operation before launch. By preparing the propellant system in advance and loading it during a controlled pre-launch phase, the satellite achieves optimal propulsion performance.
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
Effectively prevents debris from entering congested orbits, reducing the risk of collisions and maintaining the integrity of satellite constellations.
Implementation Method 1
a solar array wing that is operable in an orbit at an orbital altitude higher than a congested orbit region
Implementation Method 2
a propulsion device including a thruster of a chemical propulsion method and a propellant tank to store chemical fuel
Data Source
AI summary
A debris removal satellite includes a capture device, a thruster of a chemical propulsion method, and a propellant tank to store chemical fuel. A solar array wing 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 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 captures capture-target debris at an orbital altitude higher than the congested orbit region, and operates a propulsion device with the capture-target debris being captured.