SAMARA, November 30. /TASS/. Scientists at Samara National Research University named after academician S.P. Korolev have developed the technology for carrying out a mission to remove space debris from orbit and described it in a book titled "Dynamics of Space Motion and Control of Space Debris Transported by Ion Stream" published in November by Elsevier, one of the world's top four science publishers. Alexander Ledkov, one of the book's authors, an associate professor at the theoretical mechanics department of the Institute of Rocket and Space Technology at Samara's State University, told TASS.
"Our monograph presents in detail a method of non-contact debris removal in orbit by means of an automatic spacecraft-cleaner equipped with ion engines, such engines are widely used in modern cosmonautics," Ledkov said. "The spacecraft will approach the target object at a distance of about 10 meters and send a plasma torch, the so-called ion engine, towards it. By colliding with the surface of the space debris, the ion-jet particles will generate a force that will be used to move the debris in the right direction."
In the book, the scientists provide an overview of research on contactless space debris removal. The authors describe how to independently develop mathematical models and conduct computer simulations of the transportation system, demonstrate the characteristics of the oscillation of space debris within the ionic flow and propose different laws and control schemes for the "space janitor". The design of the janitorial vehicle was not part of the objectives and plans of the authors of the monograph, but the book also describes the methodology for selecting design parameters of the spacecraft, the press service of Samara University said.
Engineering advantages and alternative use
Certain designs for debris removal from orbits already exist in the world, but no such missions have been carried out so far, the Samara University press service said. Most developments involve methods of scavenging by direct contact with debris through docking or by capturing the object. However, these methods are complicated and dangerous, and can cause an accidental collision and, as a result, a large amount of small space debris. The proposed contactless method is safer, as the device does not come into mechanical contact with debris and can transport rapidly rotating objects, which are difficult to capture by other means, the scientists explained.
The developers note that the method presented is suitable for the elimination of debris objects larger than 10 cm - these are old rocket stages, non-functioning satellites. As for the small debris, cleaning with the help of ion stream will not be as effective.
However, scientists believe that it is possible to use such a device effectively as a "rescuer" of satellites. With the help of ion flux, it would be able to adjust the orbit of a long-running spacecraft, which would increase its lifespan. It could also help a misaligned satellite get back into orbit.