ADICHUNCHANAGIRI INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, CHIKMAGALUR (Affiliated to VTU, Belagavi-590018)

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION

GPS BASED SPACE DEBRIS REMOVAL SYSTEM

By: DILSHAD BANU

USN: 4AI12EC025

CONTENTS

1. Abstract2. Introduction3. Types of Orbits4. Tracking and Measurement of Debris5. Clearance of space debris6. Implementation7. Advantages8. Disadvantages9. Conclusion10. Reference

ABSTRACT

There are various methods in which the space debris issue can be handled. The implementation of debris removal techniques will give a bright future. Satellite communication would develop faster as there will be no obstacles. Every corner of earth, even the poles could be linked via satellites. So, A portion of the International Space Station should be allocated for space debris removal and control called as Debris removal system.

INTRODUCTION

Space debris is also known as Orbital debris, space waste is the collection of defunct objects in orbit around the earth.

Thousands of nuts, bolts, gloves and other debris from space missions form an orbiting garbage dump around the Earth, presenting a hazard to space crafts.

Global Positioning System (GPS) precision timing and navigation signals are a significant component of the modern global economy

The following table shows the estimated amount of debris objects by their size:

DEBRIS SIZE 0.1-1cm 1-10cm >10cm

Total Number at all the altitudes

150 million 7,80,000 23,000

Debris in Low – Earth Orbit

20 million 4,00,000 15,000

GROWTH OF THE SPACE DEBRIS FIELD (CATASTROPHIC DEBRIS COLLISION)

TYPES OF ORBITS

Low Earth Orbit Medium Earth Orbit Geostationary Orbit High Earth Orbit

TRACKING OF DEBRIS

RADAR and optical detectors such as LIDAR are the main tools used for tracking space debris.

Some of the modules used were:LDEF(Long Duration Exposure Facility) satelliteEURECA(European Retrievable Carrier)

“CLEARANCE OF SPACE DEBRIS”

DIFFERENT METHODS

Electro dynamic tethers LASER beam Solar Sail Collectors

ELECTRO DYNAMIC TETHERSOne of the latest developments

in the space junk removal program is that of the introduction of the electrodynamics tether.

This is a conducting wire i.e., several tens of kilometers in length and is controlled by a spacecraft.

LASER BEAM

By using a highly intense laser beam we can slow down the debris thereby allowing it to reenter earth’s atmosphere.

With continued application the debris will eventually decrease their altitude enough to become subject to atmospheric drag.

Mainly the LASER based techniques are two types. 1. Ground based LASER technique. 2. Space based LASER technique.

LASER TECHNIQUES

SOLAR SAILS

The solar sail uses the pressure from sunlight to navigate an object, just like a naval sail uses wind.

This way debris can be navigated out of orbit and burn into atmosphere

COLLECTOR SATELLITE

The most commonly used collector satellite is the Sling Sat.

It has two extended arms which collect the debris as it is in motion.

IMPLEMENTATIONS

Tether was launched on Feb 28,2014 as a secondary payload aboard an H-2A rocket.

CLEANSPACE is a 3 year project, began on 1st June 2011

NASA tested LASER broom capable of removing Debris in the path of ISS on the space shuttle mission in 2003.

Contd…

An early prototype of L’Garde solar sail is evaluated at the NASA in November 2014.

TAMU Space sweeper with Sling-sat was developed by scientists at Texas A&M.

SOLAR SAIL

ADVANTAGES

It provides efficient Satellite CommunicationIt is feasible way to remove 1 to 10 cm debris from LEO It can track and target debris with a much larger field of

view. It can act as a space –based weapon system. Unlike other

debris removal methods it will not provide any negative atmospheric effects.

DISADVANTAGES In LASER technology, LASER should have high

illumination power and high cost. GBL cannot be moved freely in a huge range.

CONCLUSION We know that “prevention is better than cure”. The efficiency and time period of satellite can increase by the use of debris removal system, i.e., we can prevent the destruction of the satellites. “The beginning is always today” should be our approach; otherwise the future will be a in dark.

REFERENCES[1] NASA Orbital Debris Quarterly News, January 2010[2] Anderson, R.E., interviewed by Jacob Abolafia, Dudley Observatory, Schenectady, New York, 26 May 2008 [3] Wheeler, “The Current Legal Framework Associated with Debris Mitigation” Proc IMechE, Part G 221 6 (2007), pp 911-14 [4] Easton, R.L., Global Navigation Flies High, Physics World, Vol. 20, No. 10, 2007, pp. 34-38. [5] Easton, R.Timation and the Invention of the Global Positioning System: 1964-1973, Quest: The History of Spaceflight Quarterly, Vol. 14, No. 3, 2007, pp. 12-17.

Thank you