Laser Beam Control for On-Orbit Satellite Debris Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
The rapid increase of small spacecraft and CubeSats in Low Earth Orbit poses challenges for space debris management, as they face premature failure and can become immobile, leading to potential congestion and the formation of debris fields, necessitating new approaches for disposal and traffic management to prevent the 'Kessler Effect'.
Innovation Solution
Equipping each spacecraft with a 'smart skin' containing solar panels, power, and control circuitry, along with an embedded secondary propulsion unit, allowing for remote control using a laser beam to guide and maneuver derelict satellites, enabling secure and efficient space traffic management without requiring onboard computer operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If specialized servicing/disposer spacecraft are used to perform rendezvous and capture of derelict satellites, then space debris can be collected and removed, but operational complexity and risks increase due to physical contact requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based servicing with optical field-based control. A laser beam from a ground station or space-based platform communicates with the derelict satellite's solar panels, using optical energy to trigger propulsion system activation and guide maneuvers without physical contact, thereby reducing operational complexity and risks associated with rendezvous and capture operations
Solution Approach 2:
The solar panels on the derelict satellite serve as an intermediary component. Instead of direct mechanical interaction, the laser beam interacts with the solar panels to transfer control commands and energy, enabling remote operation of the propulsion system and simplifying the overall servicing operation
2Ease of operation
If RF communication is used for spacecraft control, then communication can be established, but security risks increase due to potential eavesdropping and spectrum congestion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes RF electromagnetic communication with optical laser communication. The laser beam provides a highly directional, secure point-to-point communication channel that is difficult to intercept, eliminating spectrum congestion and cybersecurity vulnerabilities associated with RF while maintaining ease of operation through direct optical linkage
3Device complexity
If derelict satellites are left unmanaged, then operational complexity is minimized, but space congestion and debris field formation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The derelict satellite's own solar panels and embedded propulsion system are utilized for its own disposal. The laser beam from external platforms activates these existing components, enabling the satellite to perform self-managed maneuvers and deorbit operations without requiring complex external servicing systems, thus minimizing management complexity while eliminating debris risks
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
This approach allows for secure, low-cost, and efficient management of satellite movements and formations, preventing collisions and cybersecurity threats, while minimizing operational complexity and risks associated with physical contact or RF communication challenges.
Implementation Method 1
Solar panels typically occupy the largest surface area on an earth-orbiting satellite. The laser beam from another spacecraft or from the ground would interact with the solar panels of the derelict spacecraft
Implementation Method 2
The solar-panels in turn can power the smart-skin to permit these communication and command procedures
Implementation Method 3
A secondary propulsion unit may include electrospray propulsion, solar radiation pressure-based system, photonic laser thrusters and Lorentz force thrusters
Implementation Method 4
A secondary propulsion unit may include electrospray propulsion, solar radiation pressure-based system, photonic laser thrusters
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a first device that includes a photovoltaic array such as a satellite in Earth orbit includes receiving a laser beam that is scanned over a plurality of photovoltaic cells in the photovoltaic array. A trajectory of the laser beam along the photovoltaic array is identified based on receipt of the laser beam by the plurality of photovoltaic cells. The trajectory is compared to a plurality of pre-defined gesture strokes to identify a first gesture stroke most closely matching the trajectory. A pre-defined action associated with the first gesture stroke is performed.