Transient Gaseous Cloud for Space Debris Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Space debris, particularly small objects with low ballistic coefficients, pose a collision risk to spacecraft and satellites due to their inability to be effectively removed from orbit, as existing methods are inadequate in hastening orbital decay and safely disposing of such debris.
Innovation Solution
Creating a transient gaseous cloud at an altitude of at least 100 km above Earth using clustered gas generators and nozzles pointing 180 degrees apart, which generates counteracting thrusts to produce a dense cloud that slows down space debris, causing it to fall into the atmosphere, utilizing expellants like high-atomic-weight metals, cryogenic noble gases, or heavy molecular fluids to achieve Prandtl-Meyer expansion and maximize areal density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If existing space debris removal methods are used, then larger objects can be targeted, but small debris with low ballistic coefficients cannot be effectively removed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the removal mechanism by using a transient gaseous cloud with specific density and altitude characteristics. This allows the system to effectively interact with small debris particles that have low ballistic coefficients, expanding the range of removable debris sizes while maintaining reliable orbital decay induction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a targeted approach is used for debris removal, then specific large debris can be addressed, but a comprehensive solution for all debris sizes is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The transient gaseous cloud system serves multiple functions: it can remove various sizes of space debris, induce orbital decay, and operate at different altitudes. This universal approach eliminates the need for multiple specialized systems for different debris types, reducing overall system complexity while enhancing adaptability.
3Speed
If dense gaseous cloud is created to slow debris, then orbital decay is hastened, but the cloud must be precisely positioned at high altitude
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by deploying the transient gaseous cloud to a predetermined high altitude position before the debris reaches that point. This advance placement ensures the cloud is in the optimal position to induce orbital decay, achieving the desired speed reduction while managing the precision requirements through proactive positioning.
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 method effectively hastens the orbital decay of space debris, ensuring it falls into the Earth's atmosphere, thereby mitigating collision risks without targeting specific debris, using a cloud that can be tailored for optimal size and density to capture a range of debris sizes, from small paint flakes to larger objects.
Implementation Method 1
performing a Prandtl-Meyer expansion of gas into a gaseous cloud at an altitude of at least 100 km above Earth
Implementation Method 2
The cloud has a density sufficient to slow the debris so the debris falls into Earth's atmosphere
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A method comprises removing space debris having a relatively low ballistic coefficient by hastening orbital decay of the debris. A transient gaseous cloud is created at an altitude of at least 100 km above Earth. The cloud has a density sufficient to slow the debris so the debris falls into Earth's atmosphere.