Space Debris Tracking and Vaporization via Coherent Light
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies are inefficient in tracking and removing space debris, particularly objects with a cross-section below 10cm^2, due to difficulties in determining velocity, rotation, and direction, and lack effective methods for simultaneous tracking and removal.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a coherent light source in space, comprising a first optical system emitting a beam of coherent light with a broad opening angle for scanning and a second optical system for detecting reflected photons to determine motional and rotational parameters, followed by a second beam with a narrower opening angle to vaporize or deflect the debris, using a free electron laser and adaptive mirrors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional tracking methods are used for space debris, then tracking capability is limited, but the complexity of the system increases without sufficient effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines tracking and removal functions into a single integrated system. The laser system serves dual purposes: tracking the space debris through light scattering detection and removing it through ablation. This merging eliminates the need for separate tracking and removal systems, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high tracking precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser system is designed to perform multiple functions: tracking space debris by detecting scattered light, determining velocity through Doppler shift analysis, and removing debris through controlled ablation. This multi-functionality allows a single system to address multiple requirements without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Productivity
If existing removal methods are applied to space debris, then removal capability is insufficient, but the energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary tracking and velocity determination before the removal action. By using the same laser system to first track and characterize the debris (determining position, velocity, and rotation), the system optimizes the subsequent removal pulse parameters. This preliminary action ensures that the high-energy removal pulse is precisely targeted and optimized, maximizing removal efficiency while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser system uses periodic pulsed operation with different characteristics: lower energy pulses for tracking and characterization, followed by high-energy pulses for removal. This periodic alternation between detection and removal modes allows the system to maintain debris removal efficiency while managing overall energy consumption through intelligent pulse sequencing.
3Measurement precision
If a narrow beam is used for tracking, then tracking precision improves, but the ability to detect rotating debris decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its detection strategy based on the debris characteristics. By analyzing the temporal variation of scattered light intensity and applying autocorrelation techniques, the system can detect rotation while maintaining precise position measurement. The dynamic analysis of light scattering patterns allows simultaneous extraction of both position and rotational information without requiring beam widening.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate systems are used for tracking and removal, then functional capability is comprehensive, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges tracking and removal functions into a single laser-based system. The same optical components, detectors, and control systems are used for both tracking (detecting scattered light) and removal (ablation), eliminating the need for separate systems and reducing overall complexity while maintaining comprehensive functional capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser system is designed as a universal platform that can perform tracking, velocity determination, and removal functions. By making the system multi-functional, the patent reduces the total number of components needed while maintaining comprehensive capability to handle various space debris scenarios.
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
Enables precise tracking and efficient removal of space debris by determining its position, velocity, and rotation, and applying focused coherent light to vaporize or deflect it, thereby mitigating the risk to satellites and astronauts.
Implementation Method 1
The second optical system may receive and detect one or more photons that are a subset of said plurality of photons being emitted by the first optical system and being reflected by an object
Implementation Method 2
A system utilizing a coherent light source in space, comprising a first optical system emitting a beam of coherent light with a broad opening angle for scanning
Implementation Method 3
The second beam of coherent light may be adapted to at least partially vaporize said object
Implementation Method 4
A system utilizing a coherent light source in space, comprising a first optical system emitting a beam of coherent light
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and system (100) for tracking objects (104) in space using a coherent light source located in space. The system may comprise a first optical system (102 and a second optical system (112), wherein the first optical system may be adapted to scan for objects and may be adapted to at least partially vaporize identified objects. The second optical system may be adapted to detect the objects when the first optical system scans for the objects. The system may be located in space having solar panels and a laser system comprising a free electron laser.