Space Debris Removal via Adhesion and Propulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing space debris are inefficient for large debris and lack effective targeting and rotation control, leading to poor cost-efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A debris removal system comprising a mother unit and space devices with adhesion and propulsion parts, allowing for controlled adherence and conveyance of space debris to the atmosphere for burning, capable of handling debris of various sizes without requiring rotation prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional debris removal techniques are used, then minute to relatively small space debris can be removed, but relatively large space debris cannot be effectively removed
Solution Approach 1:
The debris removal system is divided into a mother unit and multiple child units, where each child unit is equipped with adhesion and propulsion parts. This segmentation allows the system to handle debris of various sizes by deploying appropriate numbers and configurations of child units, thereby improving adaptability across different debris size ranges while maintaining effective removal capability.
2Ease of operation
If rotation prevention means are added to the space device, then debris can be controlled more precisely, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The space device allows the debris to rotate together with the device without requiring separate rotation prevention means. The adhesion part maintains secure attachment while the propulsion part generates braking force that effectively decelerates rotating debris. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex rotation control mechanisms, reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining operational effectiveness.
3Productivity
If multiple space devices are deployed to handle large debris, then removal capability improves, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each child unit is designed as a universal module with both adhesion and propulsion functions integrated. This multi-functionality allows the same standardized unit to handle various debris sizes by simply adjusting the number of units deployed, rather than requiring different specialized devices for different debris categories. The mother unit provides centralized control, simplifying the management of multiple child units and reducing overall system complexity.
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 removes space debris of all sizes by adhering and conveying it to the atmosphere, enhancing safety and reducing costs by enabling efficient removal of large debris without the need for rotation control.
Implementation Method 1
a space device (100) including an adhesion part (110) and a propulsion part (120), wherein the adhesion part causes the space device to adhere to a target
Implementation Method 2
a propulsion part (120) configured to generate thrust, wherein the propulsion part is configured to move the space device (100) adhering to the space debris toward the atmosphere so as to convey the space debris to the atmosphere for burning and removal
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are a debris removal system that can remove space debris of various sizes including relatively large one as well effectively, and a space device for the system. A space device 100 includes: an adhesion part 110 to adhere to a target existing in the space; and a propulsion part 120 to obtain propulsion power. The space device that adheres to the target at the adhesion part 110 moves together with the target by the propulsion part 120, thereby conveying the target to a predetermined target position. A debris removal system 1 includes: a guide-control part 300 configured to move the space device 100 close to the space debris so as to let the space device 100 adhere to the space debris with the adhesion part 110; and a propulsion control part 230 configured to control the propulsion part 120 of the space device 100 so as to move the space device 100 adhering to the space debris toward the atmosphere together with the space debris by the propulsion part 120 of the space device 100.