Spacecraft Effector With Protective Structure for Debris Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing space infrastructure is vulnerable to threats from flying debris, military assets, and disruptive sources, necessitating a means to protect and neutralize these threats effectively while minimizing the risk of generating additional debris.
Innovation Solution
A spacecraft equipped with an effector having a protective structure and explosive charges is used to approach and neutralize target objects, employing a seeker for guidance and a detonator for controlled detonation, thereby rendering the threat harmless and minimizing debris fragmentation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional countermeasure devices are used to neutralize target objects in space, then the threat is reduced, but additional space debris is generated through fragmentation
Solution Approach 1:
The effector is extracted from the main spacecraft body and positioned at the tip, allowing the explosive charge to be detonated at a distance from the spacecraft. This spatial separation enables neutralization of the target object while preventing fragmentation damage to the spacecraft and minimizing additional debris generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The effector acts as an intermediary between the spacecraft and the target object. It carries the explosive charge to the target vicinity and performs the neutralization function, serving as a buffer that protects the spacecraft while enabling effective countermeasures against the threat.
2Reliability
If the spacecraft approaches closely to neutralize the target object, then counteraction effectiveness is improved, but damage to the spacecraft increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into three functional parts: the spacecraft (command and control), the effector (delivery vehicle), and the explosive charge (neutralization mechanism). This segmentation allows the charge to be positioned at the tip of the effector, enabling close approach to the target for effective neutralization while the spacecraft remains at a safe distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The explosive charge is extracted from the spacecraft body and mounted on the effector at the tip. This extraction allows the neutralization function to be performed at close range to the target while physically separating the hazard from the spacecraft, reducing damage risk.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If protective structures are added to protect the spacecraft, then spacecraft protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective structure is merged with the effector design rather than being added as a separate system on the spacecraft. The effector's structural components serve dual purposes: delivering the explosive charge to the target and providing protection during approach and detonation, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The effector structure serves multiple functions: it acts as the delivery vehicle for the explosive charge, provides structural protection during approach, and enables positioning at the tip for optimal neutralization. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate protective systems on the spacecraft.
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
The solution provides effective protection for space infrastructure by rendering threats inoperable, reducing damage to the spacecraft, and minimizing the creation of additional space debris.
Implementation Method 1
The effector comprises at least one explosive charge arranged on or in the protective structure
Implementation Method 2
by means of the spacecraft and/or the effector, the target object is at least partially or completely inoperable or otherwise at least rendered harmless
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (100) for counteracting a target object (500) in space, comprising at least one spacecraft (110) configured to approach the target object (500) based on target data, and an effector (120) that is or can be arranged at a tip of the spacecraft (110), has a protective structure (121) that is effective in at least one direction facing away from the tip, and has at least one explosive charge (122) arranged on or in the protective structure (121). The invention also relates to the use of such a device (100) and a system comprising such a device (100).