This document summarizes the growing problem of space debris in low Earth orbit and potential solutions. As more satellites are launched, orbital debris has doubled since 2007 to over 34,000 trackable pieces larger than 10 cm and millions of smaller pieces. Even small debris can damage satellites and space stations traveling at high speeds. The increasing debris raises risks of collisions that could trigger an exponential increase in debris through collision cascading. Solutions proposed include active debris removal, using spacecraft to capture debris, as well as reducing debris through reusable launch vehicles and in-orbit satellite servicing. The first active debris removal mission, ClearSpace-1, is planned for 2025.
HOW TO SAVE THE HUMANITY OF THE COLLISION ON THE PLANET EARTH OF BODIES COMIN...Fernando Alcoforado
This document discusses strategies for protecting humanity from collisions with celestial bodies such as asteroids, comets, and planets. It notes that impacts from large asteroids have caused mass extinctions in the past and smaller impacts still occur regularly. The document proposes monitoring space to identify potential threats and developing technology to divert threatening objects or evacuate humans to habitable locations. It argues that international cooperation will be needed to coordinate such efforts given their immense scale.
Chapter 1. Universe and the Solar Systemjaijai1196
This document provides information about the origin and structure of the universe and solar system. It discusses several theories for the origin of the universe, such as the Big Bang theory and steady state theory. It also covers theories for the origin of the solar system, including the nebular hypothesis. The document then describes the internal structure of Earth, noting it has three main layers - the crust, mantle, and core. Various scientists who contributed to the understanding of Earth systems are also cited, such as James Hutton and Vladimir Vernadsky. Activities are included to help learners better understand these topics.
Space junk is becoming a growing problem as years of space exploration have left over 22,000 pieces of debris orbiting Earth, including bits of old rockets and satellites. These objects move very quickly, so even small pieces can damage functioning satellites or endanger astronauts. Collisions between space junk create thousands of smaller pieces, worsening the problem. Countries have agreed to limit how long their space tools remain in orbit to 25 years to help address this, but more active solutions like harpoons to pull junk down are also being explored, as leaving the issue unchecked will make cleanup much more difficult over time.
Earth and Life Science - Theories on the Origin of the Solar SystemJuan Miguel Palero
This is a powerpoint presentation that is about one of the Senior High School Core Subject: Earth and Life Science. It is composed of the theories that explains the origin of the Solar System.
New discoveries in the field of space ms pp 2010 versionBALJINDER563
This document contains summaries of several new discoveries in space exploration:
- Kepler-452b, an exoplanet discovered in 2015, is described as Earth's cousin due to its similarities. Exoplanets raise the possibility of life existing elsewhere.
- Pluto has blue skies created by small particles and patches of frozen water have been mapped on its surface.
- Computer models suggest Saturn's icy moons and rings formed after dinosaurs, being no more than 100 million years old.
- Observations of Enceladus' geysers found its strongest eruptions occur when farthest from Saturn, pointing to mysteries in its plumbing.
- Evidence was found of a huge 20-30km asteroid that broke in
Theories on the origin of the Solar SystemJerome Bigael
The document discusses theories on the origin of the solar system. It begins by describing the basic composition of the solar system, including stars, planets, natural satellites, comets, asteroids, and the interplanetary medium. It then discusses several theories for how the solar system formed, including:
- The nebular hypothesis proposed in the 1700s that a rotating gaseous cloud contracted to form the sun and planets from the surrounding disc. However, it did not fully explain the distribution of angular momentum.
- Encounter hypotheses proposed interactions between stars caused matter to be drawn off and form planets, but cannot explain the different ages of the sun and planets.
- The currently accepted protoplanet
The Solar System formed from a large rotating cloud of gas and dust called a solar nebula. As the nebula condensed due to gravity, a central mass became the Sun and the remaining material formed rings that eventually became the planets. The Sun consists of an inner core where nuclear fusion occurs and surrounding layers including the photosphere, chromosphere, and corona. The eight major planets can be divided into terrestrial and Jovian planets. Smaller bodies like asteroids and comets also orbit the Sun.
HOW TO SAVE THE HUMANITY OF THE COLLISION ON THE PLANET EARTH OF BODIES COMIN...Fernando Alcoforado
This document discusses strategies for protecting humanity from collisions with celestial bodies such as asteroids, comets, and planets. It notes that impacts from large asteroids have caused mass extinctions in the past and smaller impacts still occur regularly. The document proposes monitoring space to identify potential threats and developing technology to divert threatening objects or evacuate humans to habitable locations. It argues that international cooperation will be needed to coordinate such efforts given their immense scale.
Chapter 1. Universe and the Solar Systemjaijai1196
This document provides information about the origin and structure of the universe and solar system. It discusses several theories for the origin of the universe, such as the Big Bang theory and steady state theory. It also covers theories for the origin of the solar system, including the nebular hypothesis. The document then describes the internal structure of Earth, noting it has three main layers - the crust, mantle, and core. Various scientists who contributed to the understanding of Earth systems are also cited, such as James Hutton and Vladimir Vernadsky. Activities are included to help learners better understand these topics.
Space junk is becoming a growing problem as years of space exploration have left over 22,000 pieces of debris orbiting Earth, including bits of old rockets and satellites. These objects move very quickly, so even small pieces can damage functioning satellites or endanger astronauts. Collisions between space junk create thousands of smaller pieces, worsening the problem. Countries have agreed to limit how long their space tools remain in orbit to 25 years to help address this, but more active solutions like harpoons to pull junk down are also being explored, as leaving the issue unchecked will make cleanup much more difficult over time.
Earth and Life Science - Theories on the Origin of the Solar SystemJuan Miguel Palero
This is a powerpoint presentation that is about one of the Senior High School Core Subject: Earth and Life Science. It is composed of the theories that explains the origin of the Solar System.
New discoveries in the field of space ms pp 2010 versionBALJINDER563
This document contains summaries of several new discoveries in space exploration:
- Kepler-452b, an exoplanet discovered in 2015, is described as Earth's cousin due to its similarities. Exoplanets raise the possibility of life existing elsewhere.
- Pluto has blue skies created by small particles and patches of frozen water have been mapped on its surface.
- Computer models suggest Saturn's icy moons and rings formed after dinosaurs, being no more than 100 million years old.
- Observations of Enceladus' geysers found its strongest eruptions occur when farthest from Saturn, pointing to mysteries in its plumbing.
- Evidence was found of a huge 20-30km asteroid that broke in
Theories on the origin of the Solar SystemJerome Bigael
The document discusses theories on the origin of the solar system. It begins by describing the basic composition of the solar system, including stars, planets, natural satellites, comets, asteroids, and the interplanetary medium. It then discusses several theories for how the solar system formed, including:
- The nebular hypothesis proposed in the 1700s that a rotating gaseous cloud contracted to form the sun and planets from the surrounding disc. However, it did not fully explain the distribution of angular momentum.
- Encounter hypotheses proposed interactions between stars caused matter to be drawn off and form planets, but cannot explain the different ages of the sun and planets.
- The currently accepted protoplanet
The Solar System formed from a large rotating cloud of gas and dust called a solar nebula. As the nebula condensed due to gravity, a central mass became the Sun and the remaining material formed rings that eventually became the planets. The Sun consists of an inner core where nuclear fusion occurs and surrounding layers including the photosphere, chromosphere, and corona. The eight major planets can be divided into terrestrial and Jovian planets. Smaller bodies like asteroids and comets also orbit the Sun.
This document is a webquest assignment on the solar system for a 6th grade class. It contains links to multiple websites for students to explore and answer questions about the planets, asteroids, comets, meteors, and satellites. Key points covered include the order and characteristics of the planets, temperatures on different planets, sizes of planets compared to Earth, what asteroids, comets and meteors are made of, and the definition and examples of artificial satellites. The assignment aims to help students learn about different objects in our solar system through interactive online exploration.
Here are my thoughts on your questions:
1. It seems highly probable that there are other life forms exploring the universe besides humans. The universe is immense, with billions of galaxies and trillions of planets. Given these vast numbers, it would be surprising if life did not arise elsewhere. However, the distances involved are also immense, so contact with other civilizations may not occur for a very long time, if ever.
2. The expansion of the universe is occurring at the scale of galaxies and galaxy clusters - it does not affect smaller scales like the Earth-Sun distance. Gravity between the Earth and Sun is strong enough to overcome any tiny effects from the universe's expansion. So the increasing distance between galaxies will not directly
The nebular theory proposes that the solar system formed from a large cloud of gas and dust called a solar nebula. Originally put forward by Immanuel Kant in 1775, it was later expanded on by Pierre-Simon Laplace. The theory suggests that the solar nebula collapsed under gravity and began rotating, flattening into a disk. Matter in the center condensed to form the Sun while the outer edges cooled to form planets. Modern astronomers generally accept a modified theory known as the condensation theory, which incorporates the role of dust in cooling the nebula and providing nuclei for matter to accumulate and form protoplanets.
Glaciers are melting faster than expected due to global warming, depleting ice around the world. The human genome was fully mapped between 2000-2003 in a massive scientific effort. In 2008, the Phoenix lander confirmed the presence of water ice on Mars, fueling hopes of microbial life. Stem cells were found in new sources like adult skin cells in 2007, avoiding ethical issues with embryonic stem cells. Direct evidence in 2006 confirmed the long-inferred existence of dark matter through observations of the Bullet Cluster collision.
Earth is composed of a core, mantle and crust, and has an atmosphere and magnetosphere. The tides are caused by the gravitational forces of the Moon and Sun. Earth's interior structure can be studied using seismic waves. The Moon's surface features include maria and craters, and it formed from debris ejected during an impact between Earth and an ancient planet.
This document discusses theories of the formation of the universe and solar system according to Earth science. It describes the Big Bang theory, which proposes that the universe began from an explosion of dense matter around 13.8 billion years ago, as supported by evidence from cosmic microwave background radiation. It also discusses the cosmic inflation theory of rapid early expansion, and the steady state theory of a constantly expanding universe without a beginning. Regarding solar system formation, it outlines the nebular hypothesis of planets forming from a rotating gas disk around the young Sun, and the planetesimal and tidal theories involving accumulation of small planetary bodies.
Earth and life Science (Origin of the Universe and Star System, Earth System,...Jerry Taay
This document provides information on Earth and life science topics including the formation of the universe, formation of star systems, and the Earth system. It discusses the prevailing Big Bang theory of the origin and evolution of the universe. It also describes theories for the formation of star systems such as the nebular hypothesis. The Earth system is described as having four interconnected subsystems: the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere. Each subsystem is then defined and key aspects are outlined, such as the internal structure of the geosphere and importance of the hydrosphere.
The document discusses the origins and evolution of the universe, Earth, and life. It describes how the Big Bang created the universe approximately 13.7 billion years ago. It then explains how galaxies, stars, and planets formed, including theories about how the solar system originated. The formation and geological history of Earth is covered in detail, breaking its timeline into Precambrian, Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic eras. Key events like the emergence of life and mass extinctions are highlighted.
The protoplanet hypothesis proposes that:
1) A rotating cloud of gas and dust collapsed due to gravity and explosions from nearby stars.
2) Most material collected in the center to form the sun, while other masses condensed into protoplanets like Earth.
3) Earth's oceans formed as its iron core melted other materials, releasing water and gases through volcanic eruptions. Earth's atmosphere similarly developed from gases released through early volcanism and oxygen added later by photosynthesizing plants.
The document discusses several theories of the origin of Earth:
- The Nebular Hypothesis proposed that Earth formed from a nebula of gas and dust along with the Sun. However, it does not explain the Sun's low angular momentum.
- The Planetesimal Hypothesis proposed that small planetesimals collided to form planets, but does not explain how they formed one planet.
- The Gaseous Tidal Hypothesis proposed tidal forces from a passing star detached gas from the Sun to form planets, but the theory cannot provide the proper angular momentum.
- The Gas Dust Cloud Hypothesis suggests planets evolved from a cold gas and dust cloud around the Sun, and explains some observed phenomena of
The document discusses several theories about the origin of the universe:
1) The Big Bang Theory proposes that approximately 13.7 billion years ago, all the matter and energy of the observable universe was concentrated into a hot, dense point, which exploded rapidly, causing the universe to expand and cool.
2) The Steady State Theory argues that the universe has always existed in its current state and new matter is continuously created as the universe expands to keep its density constant.
3) The Oscillating Universe Theory suggests that the expansion of the universe will eventually stop and reverse, causing the universe to collapse back on itself before exploding outward again in another Big Bang.
The document also outlines the Solar
Space debris refers to defunct objects in Earth's orbit, including old satellites and rocket parts. There are over 500,000 pieces of debris floating in orbit, posing a collision threat. The amount of debris has created a "debris zone" surrounding Earth. As space activities continue, the debris population will grow, increasing risks to future spaceflights unless debris is actively removed.
The Solar System consists of the Sun and objects that orbit it, including 8 planets. Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun. Venus is similar in size to Earth but has an intense greenhouse effect. Earth is the only known planet capable of supporting life. Mars is often described as the "Red Planet" with seasonal changes and two moons. Jupiter is the largest planet and has dark and light bands in its atmosphere. Saturn is recognizable by its prominent rings and numerous moons. Uranus rotates on its side and has 27 moons. Neptune has active storm systems and 13 known moons. Pluto is the smallest planet and was reclassified as a dwarf planet in 2006. The Moon is Earth's natural
Comets have tails and display comas due to outgassing when near the Sun. Asteroids are thought to have formed inside Jupiter's orbit rather than in the outer Solar System like comets. There are millions of asteroids that are remnants of planetesimals. Most asteroids orbit in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. Meteors are asteroids of a certain size. The Moon is Earth's only natural satellite and influences ocean tides and the length of a day. If Earth had a second moon or the distance to the Moon changed, it would affect the frequency and size of ocean tides.
All of material inside is un-licence, kindly use it for educational only but please do not to commercialize it.
Based on 'ilman nafi'an, hopefully this file beneficially for you.
Thank you.
HOW TO SAVE HUMANITY WITH THE DEATH OF THE SUN AND THE COLLISION OF THE ANDRÔ...Fernando Alcoforado
This article aims to present possible strategies to save humanity with the death of the Sun and the collision of the Andromeda and Via Lactea galaxies where the solar system is located. It is scientifically known that all life on Earth will disappear when our Sun reaches the end of its existence within 4 billion years by becoming a red giant that will swallow the Earth. Four years ago, NASA scientists revealed that the collision of our galaxy Via Lactea with Andromeda - the closest neighbor - is inevitable and will happen in approximately four billion years.
ICLR Friday Forum: Near-Earth Asteroid Impact (December 13, 2019)glennmcgillivray
The document discusses the near-Earth asteroid impact hazard. It provides information on the history of recognizing the impact threat, the sizes and frequencies of asteroid impacts, comparing the impact hazard to other dangers, and ways to address the impact hazard through asteroid detection and deflection. The key points are that major asteroid impacts capable of causing mass extinctions are rare but possible, smaller impacts pose a risk to local areas, and surveys are ongoing to detect potentially hazardous asteroids to provide warning and allow for mitigation if needed.
The document discusses the origin and evolution of the solar system and the formation of elements. It describes how early scientists like Copernicus, Galileo and Kepler realized the sun was at the center of the solar system, rather than the Earth. It explains how the solar system formed from a rotating cloud of gas and dust 4.6 billion years ago. Key events included the solar nebula contracting and flattening into a disk, and planets forming from accretion of material in the disk. Nuclear fusion in stars produces lighter elements, while heavier elements are formed in supernova explosions when massive stars die.
Space debris refers to defunct human-made objects in space such as nonfunctional spacecraft, rocket stages, and fragments from explosions or collisions. There are over 128 million pieces smaller than 1 cm, around 900,000 between 1-10 cm, and about 34,000 larger than 10 cm currently orbiting Earth. The growing amount of space debris poses a risk to active satellites and spacecraft through collisions. Efforts are underway to track debris and develop guidelines to mitigate future debris, though anti-satellite tests by some countries continue adding to the problem.
Seminar report on GPS based Space Debris Removal SystemSunil Ds
Space debris refers to defunct objects in orbit around Earth, including spent rocket stages, old satellites, and fragments. As the number of satellites increases, space debris poses a hazard to operational spacecraft through collisions. Effective measures are needed to mitigate space debris, such as de-orbiting satellites at end-of-life and actively removing existing debris. The 2009 collision between an Iridium satellite and a Russian satellite created over 200,000 pieces of debris and challenged assumptions about collision risks. The US Space Surveillance Network tracks and catalogs artificial objects in orbit to monitor and predict space debris.
Presentation on Space pollution, the genesis of space debris, history, future implications, recent events, growing concern and threats.
It will be helpful for the students of science streams, disaster management courses.
Contact sujaypaulfb@gmail.com to get full access and copy of the file.
This document is a webquest assignment on the solar system for a 6th grade class. It contains links to multiple websites for students to explore and answer questions about the planets, asteroids, comets, meteors, and satellites. Key points covered include the order and characteristics of the planets, temperatures on different planets, sizes of planets compared to Earth, what asteroids, comets and meteors are made of, and the definition and examples of artificial satellites. The assignment aims to help students learn about different objects in our solar system through interactive online exploration.
Here are my thoughts on your questions:
1. It seems highly probable that there are other life forms exploring the universe besides humans. The universe is immense, with billions of galaxies and trillions of planets. Given these vast numbers, it would be surprising if life did not arise elsewhere. However, the distances involved are also immense, so contact with other civilizations may not occur for a very long time, if ever.
2. The expansion of the universe is occurring at the scale of galaxies and galaxy clusters - it does not affect smaller scales like the Earth-Sun distance. Gravity between the Earth and Sun is strong enough to overcome any tiny effects from the universe's expansion. So the increasing distance between galaxies will not directly
The nebular theory proposes that the solar system formed from a large cloud of gas and dust called a solar nebula. Originally put forward by Immanuel Kant in 1775, it was later expanded on by Pierre-Simon Laplace. The theory suggests that the solar nebula collapsed under gravity and began rotating, flattening into a disk. Matter in the center condensed to form the Sun while the outer edges cooled to form planets. Modern astronomers generally accept a modified theory known as the condensation theory, which incorporates the role of dust in cooling the nebula and providing nuclei for matter to accumulate and form protoplanets.
Glaciers are melting faster than expected due to global warming, depleting ice around the world. The human genome was fully mapped between 2000-2003 in a massive scientific effort. In 2008, the Phoenix lander confirmed the presence of water ice on Mars, fueling hopes of microbial life. Stem cells were found in new sources like adult skin cells in 2007, avoiding ethical issues with embryonic stem cells. Direct evidence in 2006 confirmed the long-inferred existence of dark matter through observations of the Bullet Cluster collision.
Earth is composed of a core, mantle and crust, and has an atmosphere and magnetosphere. The tides are caused by the gravitational forces of the Moon and Sun. Earth's interior structure can be studied using seismic waves. The Moon's surface features include maria and craters, and it formed from debris ejected during an impact between Earth and an ancient planet.
This document discusses theories of the formation of the universe and solar system according to Earth science. It describes the Big Bang theory, which proposes that the universe began from an explosion of dense matter around 13.8 billion years ago, as supported by evidence from cosmic microwave background radiation. It also discusses the cosmic inflation theory of rapid early expansion, and the steady state theory of a constantly expanding universe without a beginning. Regarding solar system formation, it outlines the nebular hypothesis of planets forming from a rotating gas disk around the young Sun, and the planetesimal and tidal theories involving accumulation of small planetary bodies.
Earth and life Science (Origin of the Universe and Star System, Earth System,...Jerry Taay
This document provides information on Earth and life science topics including the formation of the universe, formation of star systems, and the Earth system. It discusses the prevailing Big Bang theory of the origin and evolution of the universe. It also describes theories for the formation of star systems such as the nebular hypothesis. The Earth system is described as having four interconnected subsystems: the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere. Each subsystem is then defined and key aspects are outlined, such as the internal structure of the geosphere and importance of the hydrosphere.
The document discusses the origins and evolution of the universe, Earth, and life. It describes how the Big Bang created the universe approximately 13.7 billion years ago. It then explains how galaxies, stars, and planets formed, including theories about how the solar system originated. The formation and geological history of Earth is covered in detail, breaking its timeline into Precambrian, Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic eras. Key events like the emergence of life and mass extinctions are highlighted.
The protoplanet hypothesis proposes that:
1) A rotating cloud of gas and dust collapsed due to gravity and explosions from nearby stars.
2) Most material collected in the center to form the sun, while other masses condensed into protoplanets like Earth.
3) Earth's oceans formed as its iron core melted other materials, releasing water and gases through volcanic eruptions. Earth's atmosphere similarly developed from gases released through early volcanism and oxygen added later by photosynthesizing plants.
The document discusses several theories of the origin of Earth:
- The Nebular Hypothesis proposed that Earth formed from a nebula of gas and dust along with the Sun. However, it does not explain the Sun's low angular momentum.
- The Planetesimal Hypothesis proposed that small planetesimals collided to form planets, but does not explain how they formed one planet.
- The Gaseous Tidal Hypothesis proposed tidal forces from a passing star detached gas from the Sun to form planets, but the theory cannot provide the proper angular momentum.
- The Gas Dust Cloud Hypothesis suggests planets evolved from a cold gas and dust cloud around the Sun, and explains some observed phenomena of
The document discusses several theories about the origin of the universe:
1) The Big Bang Theory proposes that approximately 13.7 billion years ago, all the matter and energy of the observable universe was concentrated into a hot, dense point, which exploded rapidly, causing the universe to expand and cool.
2) The Steady State Theory argues that the universe has always existed in its current state and new matter is continuously created as the universe expands to keep its density constant.
3) The Oscillating Universe Theory suggests that the expansion of the universe will eventually stop and reverse, causing the universe to collapse back on itself before exploding outward again in another Big Bang.
The document also outlines the Solar
Space debris refers to defunct objects in Earth's orbit, including old satellites and rocket parts. There are over 500,000 pieces of debris floating in orbit, posing a collision threat. The amount of debris has created a "debris zone" surrounding Earth. As space activities continue, the debris population will grow, increasing risks to future spaceflights unless debris is actively removed.
The Solar System consists of the Sun and objects that orbit it, including 8 planets. Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun. Venus is similar in size to Earth but has an intense greenhouse effect. Earth is the only known planet capable of supporting life. Mars is often described as the "Red Planet" with seasonal changes and two moons. Jupiter is the largest planet and has dark and light bands in its atmosphere. Saturn is recognizable by its prominent rings and numerous moons. Uranus rotates on its side and has 27 moons. Neptune has active storm systems and 13 known moons. Pluto is the smallest planet and was reclassified as a dwarf planet in 2006. The Moon is Earth's natural
Comets have tails and display comas due to outgassing when near the Sun. Asteroids are thought to have formed inside Jupiter's orbit rather than in the outer Solar System like comets. There are millions of asteroids that are remnants of planetesimals. Most asteroids orbit in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. Meteors are asteroids of a certain size. The Moon is Earth's only natural satellite and influences ocean tides and the length of a day. If Earth had a second moon or the distance to the Moon changed, it would affect the frequency and size of ocean tides.
All of material inside is un-licence, kindly use it for educational only but please do not to commercialize it.
Based on 'ilman nafi'an, hopefully this file beneficially for you.
Thank you.
HOW TO SAVE HUMANITY WITH THE DEATH OF THE SUN AND THE COLLISION OF THE ANDRÔ...Fernando Alcoforado
This article aims to present possible strategies to save humanity with the death of the Sun and the collision of the Andromeda and Via Lactea galaxies where the solar system is located. It is scientifically known that all life on Earth will disappear when our Sun reaches the end of its existence within 4 billion years by becoming a red giant that will swallow the Earth. Four years ago, NASA scientists revealed that the collision of our galaxy Via Lactea with Andromeda - the closest neighbor - is inevitable and will happen in approximately four billion years.
ICLR Friday Forum: Near-Earth Asteroid Impact (December 13, 2019)glennmcgillivray
The document discusses the near-Earth asteroid impact hazard. It provides information on the history of recognizing the impact threat, the sizes and frequencies of asteroid impacts, comparing the impact hazard to other dangers, and ways to address the impact hazard through asteroid detection and deflection. The key points are that major asteroid impacts capable of causing mass extinctions are rare but possible, smaller impacts pose a risk to local areas, and surveys are ongoing to detect potentially hazardous asteroids to provide warning and allow for mitigation if needed.
The document discusses the origin and evolution of the solar system and the formation of elements. It describes how early scientists like Copernicus, Galileo and Kepler realized the sun was at the center of the solar system, rather than the Earth. It explains how the solar system formed from a rotating cloud of gas and dust 4.6 billion years ago. Key events included the solar nebula contracting and flattening into a disk, and planets forming from accretion of material in the disk. Nuclear fusion in stars produces lighter elements, while heavier elements are formed in supernova explosions when massive stars die.
Space debris refers to defunct human-made objects in space such as nonfunctional spacecraft, rocket stages, and fragments from explosions or collisions. There are over 128 million pieces smaller than 1 cm, around 900,000 between 1-10 cm, and about 34,000 larger than 10 cm currently orbiting Earth. The growing amount of space debris poses a risk to active satellites and spacecraft through collisions. Efforts are underway to track debris and develop guidelines to mitigate future debris, though anti-satellite tests by some countries continue adding to the problem.
Seminar report on GPS based Space Debris Removal SystemSunil Ds
Space debris refers to defunct objects in orbit around Earth, including spent rocket stages, old satellites, and fragments. As the number of satellites increases, space debris poses a hazard to operational spacecraft through collisions. Effective measures are needed to mitigate space debris, such as de-orbiting satellites at end-of-life and actively removing existing debris. The 2009 collision between an Iridium satellite and a Russian satellite created over 200,000 pieces of debris and challenged assumptions about collision risks. The US Space Surveillance Network tracks and catalogs artificial objects in orbit to monitor and predict space debris.
Presentation on Space pollution, the genesis of space debris, history, future implications, recent events, growing concern and threats.
It will be helpful for the students of science streams, disaster management courses.
Contact sujaypaulfb@gmail.com to get full access and copy of the file.
Space Debris - An Environmental Problem for Space MissionsPramod Devireddy
Space Debris Report
What is Space Debris? Why is Space Debris dangerous? Space Debris Events,
Threat to Space Missions, Measures taken for Cleaning Space Debris, ISRO – Space Debris.
The document discusses the growing issue of space debris and meteoroids in Earth's orbit. It provides background on where space debris comes from, including derelict spacecraft and rocket parts. Models like ORDEM and MEM are used to track and predict the movement of debris. Mitigation efforts aim to minimize new debris, but the issue continues growing as the amount of objects in space increases each year. Shields help protect satellites from impacts, but more must be done to curb the problem to ensure safe space travel.
Space debris poses threats from Earth to space, space to space, and space to Earth. The density of objects in low Earth orbit is high enough that collisions could trigger a cascade effect where each collision generates more debris, increasing the likelihood of further collisions. While most debris reenters Earth's atmosphere over ocean, statistics indicate around 40% could reenter over land, posing impact risks. Active measures are needed now to address the growing problem of space debris before incidents and impacts increase further.
The document summarizes the growth of space debris in Earth's orbit over time. It shows how the amount of debris has increased dramatically since the first satellite was launched in 1957. Space debris can remain in orbit for decades and includes non-functional objects as well as fragments from collisions. Charts from NASA illustrate the rise in the number of catalogued debris objects, with over 14,000 tracked pieces of debris currently in orbit, posing a threat to active satellites.
it is a description consisting of what is space debris and how it is caused, what all are methods being applied in encountering them, the speed at which debris moves in space and all... do go through to explore more !!
Information for Satellite, What is a Satellite...YaserKhan21
What is a Satellite?, Types of Satellite, Satellite Architecture and Organization, Application
Advantages of satellite over terrestrial communication, Disadvantage, Brief History of Artificial Satellites, Parts of a Satellite, What Keeps A Satellite from Falling to Earth?, What stops a Satellite from crashing into another Satellite?, Moons Around Other Worlds, About the International Space Station, Satellites in ISRO, Chandrayaan-1, Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3
The document discusses concepts and requirements for a Mars Exploration Rover (MER) that would transport astronauts across the surface of Mars. Some key points:
- The MER would be a pressurized, long-distance vehicle capable of transporting a crew of astronauts and sustaining them for hundreds of miles across Mars' terrain.
- It would need to operate in Mars' harsh environment, which has low atmospheric pressure, cold temperatures, dust storms, and radiation risks. Systems would need to be fail-safe or have backups.
- The MER would serve as a mobile habitat, allowing astronauts to live and work on long expeditions away from the main habitat base. It would carry supplies and have facilities for activities
Satellites have evolved significantly since Sputnik was launched in 1957. Early satellites were simple devices that gathered basic data and demonstrated orbital technology, while modern satellites can have complex systems and costs over $1 billion. All satellites require power, computers, communication systems, and attitude control to function in space. Though satellites provide important benefits like weather monitoring and GPS, the growing amount of space junk poses risks and may limit future launches if collisions become too dangerous.
Satellites have evolved significantly since Sputnik was launched in 1957. Early satellites were simple devices that gathered basic data and demonstrated orbital technology, while modern satellites can cost over $1 billion and provide advanced capabilities like global communications, weather monitoring, and GPS. However, the growth of space debris from old satellites poses risks to operational satellites and challenges safe access to space. Over 25,000 human-made objects currently orbit Earth, traveling at high speeds, and collisions could become more frequent as debris accumulates.
Satellites have evolved significantly since Sputnik was launched in 1957. Early satellites were simple devices that gathered basic data and demonstrated orbital technology, while modern satellites can cost over $1 billion and provide advanced capabilities like global communications, weather monitoring, and GPS. However, the growth of space debris is a emerging environmental issue as defunct satellites and fragments threaten future space exploration due to collisions.
Satellites have evolved significantly since Sputnik was launched in 1957. Early satellites were simple devices that gathered basic data and demonstrated orbital technology, while modern satellites can cost over $1 billion and provide advanced capabilities like global communications, weather monitoring, and GPS. However, the growth of space debris is a emerging environmental issue as defunct satellites and fragments threaten future space exploration due to collisions.
Satellites have evolved significantly since Sputnik was launched in 1957. Early satellites were simple devices that gathered basic data and demonstrated orbital technology, while modern satellites can cost over $1 billion and provide advanced capabilities like global communications, weather monitoring, and GPS. However, the growth of space debris is a emerging environmental issue as defunct satellites and fragments threaten future space exploration due to collisions.
Satellites have evolved significantly since Sputnik was launched in 1957. Early satellites were simple devices that gathered basic data and demonstrated orbital technology, while modern satellites can cost over $1 billion and provide advanced capabilities like global communications, weather monitoring, and GPS. However, the growth of space debris is a emerging environmental issue as defunct satellites and fragments threaten future space exploration due to collisions.
Satellites have evolved significantly since Sputnik was launched in 1957. Early satellites were simple devices that gathered basic data and demonstrated orbital technology, while modern satellites can cost over $1 billion and provide advanced capabilities like global communications, weather monitoring, and GPS. However, the growth of space debris is a emerging environmental issue as defunct satellites and fragments threaten future space exploration due to collisions.
The European Space Agency hosted the Sixth European Conference on Space Debris to discuss the growing problem of space debris. There are over 170 million pieces of debris in near-Earth orbit, including 29,000 objects over 10cm, but only 17,000 are tracked. Space debris poses a threat to satellites through collision, and experts agree active debris removal is needed to address the issue. Several organizations presented ideas for debris removal including using lasers, nets, harpoons and solar sails to either deorbit junk or move it out of busy orbital paths. International cooperation will be required to address the problem and prevent a worsening cascade of collisions.
Space debris is a growing threat in low Earth orbit, where 70% of catalogued objects larger than 1 cm reside. Left unchecked, collisions between debris objects could cause a cascading effect known as the Kessler Syndrome that makes space unusable. Active debris removal techniques are needed to address this issue and preserve the space environment. Methods like electrodynamic tethers, nets, robotic arms, lasers, and momentum exchange devices can be used by servicer satellites to capture and remove existing debris objects, while other approaches like propulsion and solar sails allow for controlled deorbiting of satellites after their useful lifetimes.
Diane Guo wrote an essay discussing the costs and ethical issues related to space exploration. Space exploration requires high technology and large financial investments, such as the $109 billion spent on the Apollo program. However, critics argue that the money spent on space could be better used to address problems on Earth like providing clean water and food for those in need. Space exploration can also negatively impact the environment through rocket exhaust and the accumulation of space junk. While it provides some benefits, countries should reduce spending on space and instead focus on developing technologies that directly improve life on Earth.
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Robert m pimpsner orbital debris mitigation - ens 100
1. Robert Pimpsner ENS 100
Space Debris Mitigation in Earth Orbit
Robert M. Pimpsner
College of Staten Island
Introduction to Engineering
ENS 100
May 2021
2. Robert Pimpsner ENS 100
As humans venture into space more frequently and our reliance on satellites grows, the
problem of orbital debris also increases exponentially. Orbital debris, or space junk as it is
commonly called, has existed since the formation of the planet, but while natural debris like
micro meteors pose a potential danger to satellites, spacecrafts, and space stations it is the growth
of man-made debris such as defunct satellites and discarded rocket bodies that pose an even
greater risk.
At the velocity needed to achieve orbit, even the smallest piece of debris can cause
significant damage. The speed of an object in orbit depends on multiple factors including the
mass of the satellite, the mass of the object it is orbiting and the radius of its orbit. It is expressed
in the equation:
𝑣 = √
𝐺 ∗ 𝑀𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑙
𝑅
1
Where 𝑀𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑙 is the mass of the object the satellite is orbiting, R is the radius of the orbit, and
G represents the universal gravitational constant which is: 6.673 𝑥 10−11 𝑁∗𝑚2
𝑘𝑔2
. For objects
in orbit of the Earth we know that the mass of the planet is 5.972 𝑥 1024
𝑘𝑔.
At present the oldest piece of debris in orbit is VANGAURD-1 which was launched by
the United States on March 17, 1958. The satellite’s mission ended in May 1964 and is not
expected to enter Earth’s atmosphere until 2198. In addition to the satellite itself, there are two
other pieces of debris from that 1958 launch remaining in orbit, the rocket body and a smaller
piece of debris.2
There is no doubt 6that the public’s imagination has once again been captured by the
romance of space flight thanks to a private space race of sorts being led by SpaceX, Blue Origin,
Rocket Lab and the other 166 private rocket launch companies as well as the mainstays like
Lockheed Martin and Boeing’s United Launch Alliance (ULA). In 2020 for example there were
114 successful launches with 10 failures.3 The United States led the pack with 44 total launches
and SpaceX’s Falcon 9 being the most used launch vehicle of the year. This was nearly a 12%
increase over 2019 and a 54% increase over 2010.4
3. Robert Pimpsner ENS 100
Growth of man-made space debris in Earth Orbit5
The Problem
With this ever-increasing launch schedule comes a problem. Space debris has been
growing at an alarming rate with each launch adding more objects in orbit of the planet. Since
2007, the number of trackable space debris has more than doubled with close to 34,000
individual pieces of space debris that is larger than 10 centimeters and almost 129 million pieces
of debris larger than 1 mm to 10 cm in size.6 This presents a threat to the human race’s ability to
explore and provide service to those on-planet because a piece of debris with the diameter of a
pin head traveling at 8 km/second can cause tremendous damage to operational satellites or
orbiting laboratories like the International Space Station (ISS).
Animated representation of orbital debris surrounding Earth in 20207
4. Robert Pimpsner ENS 100
While the Space Station and most manned spacecrafts do have a Whipple Shield, a
protective layer placed a small distance from the hull designed to slow down and fragment debris
that hit it, they would not protect against the worst-case scenario, a collisional cascade in orbit
called Kessler Syndrome. In his 1978 paper, NASA scientist Donald J. Kessler theorized that the
density of objects in low Earth orbit (LEO) grows to the point where collisions occur in such a
frequency that they cause additional collisions due to the growth of debris created by each
collision in a chain reaction like dominos falling into each other. This would leave the orbit
unusable due to the high amounts of debris.8
The damage that can be done even by a small piece of debris can be life threatening for
humans inside of a spacecraft. During a workshop held at NASA’s Lyndon B. Johnson Space
Center in 1982 to discuss the issue of orbital debris, scientists studied the potential danger of an
orbital debris cloud to Apollo-era spacecraft such as Skylab and the Apollo Command Module.
The findings concluded that the average force of natural-meteoroid impacts was .5 g/cc at a
velocity of 20 km/second with man-made orbital debris impacting the hull with a force of 2.78
g/cc at a velocity of 10 km/sec. It went on to study the potential damage small-size debris (50
micrometer to 1.37 centimeter in diameter) can do to spacecraft in orbit when they impact at
hypervelocity speeds.9
Test of a 1.5 mm sphere hitting a piece of 2024-T3 Aluminum at 7 KM/Second 10
5. Robert Pimpsner ENS 100
As I stated above, the danger of debris impact is not to just manned spacecraft but also to
operational satellites. With the exponential increase in satellite deployment over the last decade
comes a greater risk of two satellites, whether they be active or inactive, colliding in orbit and
creating even more debris. NASA scientist James W. McCarter examined the probability of
orbital collisions in 1972 in his technical memorandum dated June 8 for the George C. Marshall
Space Flight Center. These calculations were computed for a proposed modular space station
with the goal of identifying the probability of the station being hit by the 2,588 pieces of debris
that was in orbit at the time.11
The idea of two man-made satellites colliding was theoretical in 1972 and became a
reality in 1996 when the French military satellite CERISE collided with a discarded piece of an
Ariane rocket that was launched in 1986.12 Luckily, the collision only created one additional
piece of debris in orbit. This was not a case for the active commercial communications
IRIDIUM 33 and the inactive Russian military satellite COSMOS 2251 collision in 2009 which
created over 2,000 individual pieces of debris in various orbits.13
Evolution of the debris cloud created by the IRIDIUM 33/COSMOS 2251 collision in 200914
Collisions are not the only way satellites can create multiple pieces of space debris. Since
the 1960s there have been roughly 250 cases where satellites have broken up in orbit and created
space debris. Many of these incidents were that of satellites colliding with small, untracked
pieces of debris such as micrometeoroids. This was the case in 2014 when the ESA’s
SENTINEL 1A satellite collided with a small piece of a debris, likely a micrometeoroid. The
satellite did not destroy the satellite but did create eight pieces of trackable small debris.15 The
6. Robert Pimpsner ENS 100
breakup of FENGYUN 1C in 2007 is regarded as the worst contamination of LEO in space flight
history with the creation of 3,442 pieces of the debris from the test of a Chinese anti-satellite
weapon.16 The 1996 breakup of a Pegasus Hydrazine Auxiliary Propulsion Stage ruptured and
created 754 pieces of debris.17
Over the next few years this problem will be compounded as the number of satellite
constellations grow. Currently, SpaceX has 1,300 Starlink satellites in LEO , representing 39%
of the total number of active satellites in orbit. Starlink will grow to over 30,000 satellites over
the next decade and will soon be joined by Amazon’s Project Kuiper. This is in addition to
already existing constellation networks like OneWeb, Telesat, Iridium, and more. 18
While satellites are now required to have a plan for end-of-life (EOL) service there are
many providers looking into backup plans. For example: SpaceX’s Starlink satellites use Hall-
effect thrusters to achieve their final orbit, station keeping, and collision avoidance. They
recently received approval from the FCC to operate the first batch of satellites at an altitude
between 540-570km. This change from the initial 1,100-1,300km altitude that was initially
approved allows Starlink to offer lower latency and better speeds but also provides a backup in
case of a failure in the satellite’s thrusters.19 If a satellite fails at the new altitude, it will
naturally deorbit and burn up in the atmosphere in as little as a week due to atmospheric
expansion. OneWeb has also worked with the European Space Agency and the Japanese
company Astroscale to develop a backup for the 600 satellites planned for their constellation
which will operate at an altitude of 1,200km.
Modern life is heavily reliant on the use of satellites for our society to work. From our
financial system and communications to the Global Positioning System we use this technology
every day to work, travel, and have fun. As this reliance on satellites increases the threat of
Kessler syndrome is even more prevalent. Roughly 43% of satellites in orbit are communications
satellites, which we use for cell phone service, internet access, television access, and the
financial system. If by some chance these satellites are unreachable it would have lasting impact
across multiple industries and the cascading effect on Earth can be devastating. This would be
true if we lost contact with the Global Positioning Satellites that are in geosynchronous orbit
(GEO).20
Connectivity loss is just one potential disaster that could occur from space debris. The
other major issue is the increasing number of large debris that is falling back to Earth
7. Robert Pimpsner ENS 100
uncontrollably and not burning up completely during re-entry. This issue has occurred twice so
far during 2021, the first in March when a Falcon 9 second stage failed to re-light for a re-entry
burn and broke apart over the Northwestern United States.21 Debris from this stage including a
pressure vessel that housed helium landed on private property was found throughout the area.
The second example of this was in May 2021 when the Chinese Long March 5 rocket that
launched the Tianhe module of their new space station in LEO. The Long March 5 rocket does
not have engine re-light capability which means that its re-entry is uncontrolled and
unpredictable. While the 2021 re-entry of the Long March 5 narrowly missed hitting the
Maldives, the 2020 re-entry of the same rocket showered an African village with debris.22
Major Satellite Constellations
Name Operator # Use
Global Positioning System (GPS) USSF 24 Navigation
GLONASS Roscosmos 24 Navigation
Galileo ESA 24 Navigation
Globalstar Globalstar 48 Internet Access
Iridium NEXT Iridium 66 Internet Access
OneWeb OneWeb 74 (600*) Internet Access
Starlink SpaceX 1558 (42,000*) Internet Access
IntelSat IntelSat 54 Broadcast
SIRUS/XM Radio SIrus XM 10 Broadcast
Telesat Telesat 117-512* Internet
Project Kuper Amazon 3236* Internet Access
*Planned Satellite constellation size
The Solutions
Finding a solution to the ever-growing problem of space debris in Earth orbit has proven
to be extremely difficult. One of the first major hurdles needed to fix the issue is regulatory.
Presently, according to the Outer Space Treaty a country cannot interfere with another country’s
satellite even if that satellite is past the end of its life. Only the country of origin for the satellite
can service or retrieve the satellite, leading to several private companies working to solve the
8. Robert Pimpsner ENS 100
problem, but none of the companies have gotten past the testing stage. Several different methods
for capturing debris, as well as deorbiting technologies have been tested with the first expected
active debris removal (ADR) mission to launch in 2025.
In addition to removal of debris, there has also been work on technology to extend the
life of a satellite and create fully reusable rockets which will further reduce debris in orbit. Using
a combination of ADR, in-orbit reservicing, and fully reusable rockets we will be able to clean
up the mess of debris currently in orbit of Earth. This will be a great advantage over the current
system of leaving LEO satellites in place and moving GEO satellites to a graveyard orbit.
Active Systems
Active ADR systems are satellites designed to capture and actively de-orbit a target.
These systems are currently in active testing with several prototypes currently in LEO. These
technologies are important for the future cleanup of space debris and the prevention of Kessler
Syndrome.
Astroscale ELSA – Magnetic Capture Technology
The most recent company to launch a satellite to test ADR was Astroscale, which
launched on March 22 onboard a Soyuz rocket. The End-of-Life-Services by Astroscale
Demonstration (ELSA-d) mission uses two spacecraft. One is a 17kg client satellite which will
act as the debris for the test, and the other is a 175kg servicer satellite.23
Mission plan for Astroscale ELSA-OW24
9. Robert Pimpsner ENS 100
The Astroscale plan includes launching the servicing satellite into orbit at approximately
500 km. The servicer will be raised to a rendezvous orbit with its target. For the OneWeb
application that will be approximately 1,200 km. It will then examine the satellite before
capturing it to bring it down to a lower orbit for a natural re-entry. The servicing craft will then
re-orbit for a later mission.
Astroscale’s solution is unique as it uses a special magnetic docking plate. The docking
plate is designed not only to be used as a capture system for the satellite but also as a control
surface for the satellite’s guidance and navigation system. The magnetic capture system is
designed to allow the servicer satellite to capture a client’s object that is stable and also
tumbling. The downside is that for Astroscale’s ELSA servicer to be used the satellite will have
to have the magnetic docking plate pre-installed before launch. This means that their solution
will not be useful in clearing debris that either does not have the docking plate, or debris that is
the result of a breakup.25
RemoveDEBRIS – Harpoon and Net Capture
The first attempt to demonstrate in-orbit capture and de-orbit technology is the
RemoveDEBRIS project from the University of Surrey. It was launched to the International
Space Station on April 2, 2018 onboard a Falcon-9. On June 20, 2018 it became the largest
satellite to ever be deployed from the ISS as it got into position to complete its mission. This
mission included two CubeSats that were designed to represent pieces of space debris in orbit as
well as several capture experiments including using a Net and a harpoon.26
RemoveDEBRIS satellite cross section27
10. Robert Pimpsner ENS 100
The net capture technology was successful tested on September 16, 2018. The test saw
DebrisSat-1 (DS-1) deploy from the RemoveDEBRIS satellite. DS-1 measured 100 x 100 x 227
mm and included the power systems and avionics for the test which included an inflatable
balloon which was designed to give the net a larger target area for the experiment. The net was
ejected from RemoveDEBRIS at a distance of 7m from the target, once it connects with DS-1 it
encloses it so that the satellite is not able to escape. The satellite is then deorbited at an
accelerated rate due to the larger surface area of the balloon. Harpoon capture was successfully
demonstrated on February 8, 2019 when RemoveDEBRIS extended a simulated target on a 1.5 m
boom and the harpoon was fired at the speed of 20 m/s. The force of the impact knocked the
target off the boom, but it remained connected to the satellite via the harpoon.
ClearSpace-1 – Tentacle Capture
The first active debris removal mission will happen sometime in 2025 after the ESA
contracted ClearSpace to remove the Vega Secondary Payload Adapter (VESPA) left by the
2013 launch of a Vega rocket. This will be the first removal of a piece of debris. ClearSpace’s
technology includes a satellite capable of grabbing the 112kg object using robotic tentacles and
deorbit it from an altitude of 660 km into a lower orbit so it can disintegrate in Earth’s
atmosphere.28
Laser Satellites
A 2012 paper from NASA Langley Research Center examined the possibility of using
laser satellites to remove space debris by either vaporization or to de-orbit the object to burn up
in the atmosphere. The paper laid out the case of a short wavelength laser stationed in orbit,
powered by solar panels. They used a theoretical 10 cm cube made from aluminum with a mass
of approximately 2700 gm which would require 87,160 kJ of energy for vaporization and
ionization. They determined that it would require a three-minute continuous laser beam of at
least 5.38 MW of power if the aluminum absorbs 9% of the beam. It further noted that in order to
produce a laser beam of 5.38 MW they will need to generate 108 MW of power generation. In
order to generate that amount of power through the use of solar power would require
approximately 202,500 square meters of solar cells. The amount of power required for
vaporization and ionization of a piece of space debris was determined to be outside of our
capabilities with current technologies.29
11. Robert Pimpsner ENS 100
Within our technological capabilities is the ability to use a laser satellite to de-orbit a
piece of debris through Laser Ablation. The power required for this approach is drastically less
than that of vaporization. The method uses short pulses from a laser to create plasma plumes to
generate thrust. This will theoretically slow down the object to below orbital velocity and fall
into the Earth’s atmosphere.
Using a laser to slow the speed of a piece of debris in Earth orbit. 29
In the paper, they used the same theoretical piece of a 2.7 kg aluminum as the
vaporization research and traveling at a velocity of 10 km/s. They determined the amount of
energy needed to slow a piece of debris by 30% using 2600 laser pulses is 100 J, a far cry from
the 87,160 kJ of energy required for vaporization.
Passive Systems
Passive ADR systems are technologies built into satellites that require no active control
from the ground or artificial intelligence to bring a body into the Earth’s atmosphere for
disintegration. Draft devices such as the drag sail that was to be tested on RemoveDEBRIS
remain one of the most common technologies first being used a decade ago.
Drag Sail
While the drag sail on RemoveDEBRIS did not properly deploy, the technology has
flight heritage, with the first version being flown in 2010. The technology has matured since the
12. Robert Pimpsner ENS 100
NanoSail-D2 mission that launched in 2010 and was deployed in 2011. The CanX-7 satellite,
launched in 2016 deployed its drag sail in 2017 and successfully lowered its orbit altitude from
an altitude of 688 km to 686.5 km within a month and a half as shown below. The results were
impressive, the deployment of the drag sail increased the orbital decay rate from approximately
0.5km/year to 20 km/year.30
Altitude Change of the CanX-7 satellite before and after drag sail deployment. 30
In addition to the drastic increase in decay rate that occurred after the deployment of the
drag sail, the ballistic coefficient decreased from an average of 42
𝑘𝑔
𝑚2
⁄ to an average of
0.88
𝑘𝑔
𝑚2
⁄ . This would slow the object down during re-entry and mean it will be less likely
that it will hit the ground, if it survives re-entry, at supersonic speeds. As seen in the chart below,
the sail reduced the estimated time for the CanX-7 satellite to deorbit from 178 years to 2.9
years.
Predicted Long-Term Deorbit Performance for CanX-7 30
13. Robert Pimpsner ENS 100
Electrodynamic Tethers (EDT)
Electrodynamic tethers use a conduct tether to generate an electromagnetic force by
converting their kinetic energy into electrical energy using the magnetic field of the planet it is
passing. The magnetic field of the tether interacts with the magnetic field of the planet and the
direction of the current determines the direction the object moves. The technology has also been
studied as a way to re-boost the International Space Station and save on the use of chemical
propellants. Tethers also have potential to generate power required for operations of a satellite.
An EDT system will include several components including the tether, an electron
collector, an emitter, a reel and a deployment mechanism. 31
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has studied the use of electrodynamic
tethers as a means to de-orbit space debris. EDT has the advantage that it does not require a
power source, chemical propellants, and can be attached easily to satellites as well have a higher
specific impulse. 31
In their paper, JAXA scientists proposed a braided tether or a net tether because of the
possibility that a single line tether would be susceptible to being severed by a small piece of
debris. In the simulation they examined what it would take to de-orbit a 3400 kg satellite in a
sun-synchronous orbit (SSO) and a 1400 kg rocket body at an altitude between 900-1000 km. It
was determined that an EDT with the length of 10 km will be able to de-orbit the 2400 kg SSO
satellite in 180 days and the 1400 kg rocket body at 1000 km within 260 days. 31
De-orbit time of a 3400 kg satellite in
SSO 31
De-orbit time of a 1400 kg rocket body 31
14. Robert Pimpsner ENS 100
Reuse and In-Orbit Servicing
While most of the ideas to deal with the abundance of orbital debris has dealt with de-
orbiting satellites to burn up in Earth’s atmosphere, there are also attempts planned to service
satellites, so they remain usable after their expected life span or in case of damage. Technical
information on these projects is not as readily available as the technology used to de-orbit
satellites, however they are an important step forward in bringing the number of non-functioning
satellites down in the future.
OSAM-1
NASA’s On-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (OSAM)-1 mission is scheduled
to launch at some point in the mid-2020s is designed to test the ability to extend the life span of a
satellite in LEO that was not originally designed to be serviced in orbit. The demonstration will
rendezvous the Landsat 7 satellite and attempt to refuel and boost it to extend the life. If
successful, it will give satellite owners the ability to repair and refuel satellites in orbit which will
theoretically be cheaper than launching a new satellite in orbit.32
MEV-1, MEV-2, MRV
OSAM-1 is not the first demonstration of in-orbit servicing. Northrop Grumman
launched MEV-1 in 2019 and docked with INTELSAT 901 in 2020 in a graveyard orbit. Within
two months it was able to bring the satellite back to life and reposition it in a new orbit for
operational service. The mission plan is to keep the satellite in operation for five years before
moving to another satellite. MEV-2 launched in August 2020 and docked with INTELSAT 10-02
on April 12, 2021. The mission for MEV-2 is also slated to be five years before it moves the
satellite to a graveyard orbit.33
The success of the MEV satellites has earned Northrop a Defense Advanced Research
Projects Agency (DARPA) contract to develop the Mission Robotic Vehicle (MRV) which is
being designed to carry out repairs as well as refueling and relocating satellites.
SpaceX Starship/Super Heavy
Building off the success of the Falcon-9 rocket and the dream of settling Mars, SpaceX
has been rapidly developing their Starship/Super heavy system which will be the first fully
15. Robert Pimpsner ENS 100
reusable rocket platform. Currently, only the Flacon-9’s first stage is reused to lower costs and
decrease the amount of debris in LEO. A full reusable rocket platform will be crucial in the
future as according to the chart from the ESA, roughly 15% of space debris is from the rocket
body used to launch satellites into orbit. The oldest being the rocket that launched
VANGUARD-1 in 1958. 5
Conclusion
While Kessler Syndrome is unlikely in the near-term, the active expansion of satellite
constellations in LEO has brought the fear of the cascade back in the forefront. In addition, the
fear of large orbital debris re-entering the Earth’s atmosphere was once again brought to light by
the uncontrolled re-entry of the Falcon-9 upper stage and Long March 5b rocket in 2021. Both
situations have helped grow the public interest in solving the problem of orbital debris.
In any case, the regulatory issues will also need to be addressed so that either countries or
private business will be able to remove inactive satellites and fragments that currently belong to
other states. In many ways the politics of space debris removal is even more difficult and
complex than the actual engineering required to achieve the feet. It is one that many lawyers and
world leaders are currently working on behind the scenes while the technical solutions are
perfected.
With the amount of orbital debris tripling over the last decade it is imperative we come
up with a solution or multiple solutions to prevent the problem from getting to the point where
we render whole orbits unusable. It will take an international effort and both public and private
interest to clean up space around Earth. While we do not currently have an active ADR
technology, there are plenty of intriguing options examined in this paper and more that were not
touched on.
16. Robert Pimpsner ENS 100
1 Mathematics of Satellite Motion. [Online]
Available at: https://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/circles/Lesson-4/Mathematics-of-
Satellite-Motion
2 Stuff in Space, Rogue Space Systems [Online]
Available at: https://sky.rogue.space/
3 Orbital Launches of 2020. [Online]
Available at: https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_chr/lau2020.htm
4 Orbital Launches of 2010. [Online]
Available at: https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_chr/lau2010.htm
5 About Space Debris. [Online]
Available at: https://www.esa.int/Safety_Security/Space_Debris/About_space_debris
6 Space Debris by the Nunbers. [Online]
Available at: https://www.esa.int/Safety_Security/Space_Debris/Space_debris_by_the_numbers
7 Recognising sustainable behaviour. [Online]
Available at:
http://www.esa.int/Safety_Security/Space_Debris/Recognising_sustainable_behaviour
8 Donald J. Kessler, B. G. C.-P., 1978. Collision Frequency of Artificial Satellites: The creation
of a debris belt. Journal of Geophysical Research, pp. 3637-2646.
9 Parcs Small Satellite Test, Potential Hazards of Debris Clouds. Houston, Texas, NASA
Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, pp. 246-271.
10 Parcs Small Satellite Test, Potential Hazards of Debris Clouds. Houston, Texas, NASA
Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, pp. 268.
11 James W. McCarter, NASA TM X-64671 – Probability of Satellite Collision. Huntsville,
Alabama, NASA George C. Marshall Spae Flight Center
12 Phillip D. Anz-Meador, John N. Opiela, Debra Shoots, J.-C. Liou, History of On-Orbit
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