Sounding Rocket Gas Cloud for Space Debris Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for avoiding collisions between non-maneuverable space debris in orbit are either complex, pose safety risks, or have long-term effects with uncertain outcomes, failing to prevent predictable collisions that generate thousands of new debris.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a sounding rocket with a thruster that generates a gas cloud at the target altitude, deflecting debris by creating a drag force as it passes through the cloud, allowing for precise adjustment of the thruster's orientation and ignition timing to modify the debris's trajectory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pulsed laser is used to deflect debris by vaporization, then the debris trajectory can be modified, but the system becomes complex and raises safety problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex pulsed laser system with a simpler chemical propulsion system. Instead of using high-energy laser beams requiring orbital deployment and precise targeting, the invention uses a rocket with thrusters that generates plasma through chemical combustion, creating a drag force field that passively deflects debris without complex targeting systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces plasma as an intermediary substance between the rocket and the debris. The thrusters generate a plasma cloud that acts as a mediator, creating aerodynamic drag on the debris without requiring direct contact or complex energy transfer mechanisms like laser vaporization.
2Reliability
If an artificial atmosphere cloud is created to brake debris, then the debris trajectory can be modified, but the cloud must be sufficiently dense and large, creating operational challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the atmosphere cloud by using plasma generated from chemical propellants instead of solid particles or water droplets. This allows for better control of cloud density and size, as the plasma can be generated on-demand and contained within the rocket's thrust structure, eliminating the need for large-scale cloud deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses consumable chemical propellants to generate the plasma cloud, accepting that the atmosphere-modifying substance is temporary and disposable. This approach simplifies operational control compared to maintaining persistent clouds, as the plasma is generated only when needed and dissipates naturally after serving its purpose.
3Quantity of substance
If water droplets are used in the artificial atmosphere, then the cloud can be created, but they sublime rapidly requiring excessive cloud sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transitions of chemical propellants (from solid/liquid to plasma) to generate the atmosphere cloud. This controlled phase transition produces a dense, compact plasma cloud that maintains its integrity longer than subliming water droplets, reducing the required cloud volume while achieving the same debris braking effect.
4Force
If solid particles like tungsten are used in the artificial atmosphere, then the cloud can brake debris, but they fall through all orbits to the point of atmospheric re-entry, potentially damaging active satellites
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of heavy particles falling through orbits into a benefit by using the plasma's electromagnetic properties. The ionized state of the plasma allows it to exert drag force on debris through electromagnetic interactions and aerodynamic effects without the gravitational fallout problem of solid particles, eliminating the risk to active satellites while maintaining effective debris braking.
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 the generation of thousands of large debris from predictable collisions, reducing the number of avoidance maneuvers for operational satellites and ensuring a safer orbital environment.
Implementation Method 1
generating by the thruster a gas cloud above the sounding rocket
Implementation Method 2
as it passes through this cloud the latter will undergo a drag force which will brake it and modify its trajectory
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for deflecting space debris comprising steps of:launching (E2) a thruster (2) by means of a sounding rocket (1) at a target altitude close to that of the one or more debris to be deflected.generating (E3) by the thruster a gas cloud (G) above the sounding rocket.