Space Debris Detection Network Using Laser Illuminated Targets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current space debris removal methods are inadequate for detecting and removing small pieces of debris from Earth's orbit, as they rely on fixed observatories and lack the precision needed for effective triangulation and deorbiting.
Innovation Solution
A network of deployed observatories, including a central server, primary detection nodes, secondary tracer nodes, and tertiary tracking nodes, working in conjunction with ground-based kilowatt laser systems to detect, track, and deorbit space debris through a trace, track, and tackle sequence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fixed observatories are used for space debris detection, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and triangulation accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the observatory network into specialized nodes: primary detection nodes for initial debris identification, secondary tracer nodes for triangulation, and tertiary tracking nodes for laser illumination. This segmentation allows each node to perform specific functions with optimized equipment, achieving high measurement precision while managing overall system complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from fixed two-dimensional observatory positions to mobile three-dimensional positioning capabilities. Mobile observatories can relocate to optimize triangulation geometry and maintain precise line-of-sight to debris targets, significantly improving measurement precision by adding spatial flexibility to the detection network
2Measurement precision
If mobile observatories are deployed over vast areas for triangulation, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamically relocatable observatories that can move to optimize their positions for triangulation and tracking. This dynamic positioning capability allows the network to maintain high measurement precision across vast areas while adapting to changing debris trajectories and observational conditions, overcoming the operational difficulties of static fixed-site networks
Solution Approach 2:
The central server continuously receives positional and observational data from mobile observatories, processes triangulation calculations, and provides feedback for optimal node positioning and debris tracking. This closed-loop feedback system simplifies operations by automatically coordinating the complex movements and measurements of distributed mobile observatories, making the system easier to operate despite its spatial complexity
3Productivity
If ground-based laser systems are used to deorbit debris, then productivity of debris removal increases, but use of energy and potential harmful factors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection, tracking, and laser illumination of debris before the actual deorbiting action. Mobile observatories pre-position and illuminate targets with lower-power tracking lasers, creating laser-illuminated targets that guide the subsequent high-power deorbiting laser shots, thereby increasing removal productivity while managing energy consumption through staged operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces laser-illuminated targets as an intermediary between detection and deorbiting. The tertiary tracking node creates bright laser-illuminated targets on debris, which serve as precise guides for the ground-based kilowatt laser system. This intermediary step enables accurate energy delivery to debris while using relatively low power for targeting, improving overall system efficiency and reducing wasted energy
4Productivity
If a network of mobile observatories is deployed for trace, track, and tackle sequence, then productivity of debris removal improves, but device complexity and loss of time for coordination increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges detection, tracking, and deorbiting functions into an integrated mobile observatory network under centralized coordination. Primary detection nodes, secondary tracer nodes, and tertiary tracking nodes operate as a unified system with shared data and coordinated timing, enabling the trace-track-tackle sequence to execute efficiently. This merging eliminates communication delays between separate systems and improves debris removal productivity through seamless operational integration
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 enables high-precision detection and removal of space debris by leveraging a network of mobile observatories for accurate triangulation and ground-based lasers for effective deorbiting, thereby contributing to a safer orbital environment.
Implementation Method 1
a tertiary node (having tertiary tracking unit 50) to track the debris 15 with laser, wherein the tertiary node 10 (having tertiary tracking unit 50) is configured to mark the debris being tracked with the laser, creating a laser illuminated target (LIT)
Implementation Method 2
a ground-based kilowatt laser system 60 configured to pick up the LIT by using one or more optical sensors and tackle the debris with a high power laser beam
Data Source
AI summary
A space debris removing device, system and method are disclosed.The system comprises a central server, a primary detection node, at least two secondary tracer nodes, the central server is configured to assign a tertiary node to track the debris with laser, wherein the tertiary node is configured to mark the debris being tracked with the laser, creating a laser illuminated target (LIT), a tertiary tracking unit deployed at the tertiary node, and a ground-based kilowatt laser system configured to pick up the LIT by using one or more optical sensors and tackle the debris with a high power laser beam.