Methods and Apparatus for Mitigating Space Debris1
Dr. Joseph A Resnick, Ph.D.Abstract
Currently, about 19,000 pieces of debris larger than 5 cm (2.0 in) are tracked and included in 2NASA’s Space Debris Inventory database. Any of these can damage space apparatus. Proposed are new methods comprising a solar-powered propulsion system, installation detection/avoidance protocols and disclosure of newly-designed space debris collection modules (‘SDCM’s) for mitigating space debris clutter in the earth’s atmosphere. New SDCM’s are designed specifically for collection and removal of space debris and for providing improved individual protection to space craft and to protect space stations from 3potential damage caused by impact/collision with large/small pieces of space debris (SD). The apparatus comprising the SDCM’s conform to UNOOSA/COPOUS and OST requirements with regard to no weapons in space. Advantages of the proposed methods and apparatus are as follows: 1. Reduced size and weight, 2 -3 times smaller than conventional SD Collectors; 2. Higher efficiency providing for 3-4 times collection capture-storage volume; 3. Reduced fuel expense; 4. No limits in size of SD targeted for capture; 5. Can easily be vectored to enable collision avoidance protocols to protect selected space craft, LEO space habitats, or stations (e.g., International Space Station); 6. Meets the UNOOSA/COPOUS/OST requirement that no systems or hardware mimic or can be considered to comprise a ‘space weapon’. -------------------------------------------- Key words: Space debris, collection space debris, cleaning space, space debris mitigation.
1 Dr. Joseph A. Resnick is Chairman, Space Projects Administration, RMANNCO, Inc. North America/Asia and is the Senior Research Fellow at the University of Malaysia, Terengganu, Institute for Marine Biotechnology.
2 See:
http://orbitaldebris.jsc.nasa.gov/, (NASA illustration courtesy Orbital Debris Program Office.
3 See animation at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-dwdNecz44&feature=youtu.beMethods of Mitigating Space Debris and Innovations
Air Braking.
Collection of space debris (SD) from orbit is an expensive proposition. Launching recovery hardware can be very expensive and costs will depend upon the level of orbit desired to be achieved (LEO vs HEO, for example) and cleaned, the amount of debris to be collected and safely returned to earth. Cleanup of space debris comprised of spent satellites or damaged space craft, including batteries and power arrays, can be hazardous as well (batteries can explode). Thus, a number of factors must be considered. Initially, specially-designed debris collection modules capable of moving in to debris fields, aligning-with and then capturing targeted debris must be designed. The vessels must be robust and strong enough to withstand potential impact with items moving at speeds approaching 16,000 MPH. In view of same, our initial vessel design comprises both metal alloys in combination with aerogel-composites resulting in configuration of an extremely robust architecture such as that shown in the following video:
http://tinyurl.com/pc7s6om . The video shows a robotic debris collection module (“PRDCM”) that weighs less than 300 kilos and is totally passive in terms of its operation. This simple design allows for collection of SD as small as < 500 mm and as large as 2X5 meters and utilizes a fuel cost savings maneuver termed, ‘air braking’. Braking enables rendezvous with targeted debris structures within debris fields and results in energy conservation during collection activities. The ability to accelerate and to brake enables repetition of the capture/collection procedures of targets identified and slated for recovery through use of on-board telemetry systems. On-board telemetry systems, in combination with earth-based stations and satellite up-links, enable additional maneuvering capabilities, e.g., impulse-breaking, slow-fast acceleration, control of pitch/roll/yaw, flight-breaking and incident-event capture protocol implementation. This method is termed, ‘Brake-Reflector Maneuver’.
Our approach is to implement these methods and architectures in combination with a special light parachute-reflector (mirror, space sail) which is powered by space gases at the top atmospheric levels used in combination with solar power and ion-thrust motors. This method also may be used with interplanetary space apparatus (SA) for acceleration, braking and landing of SA on planets or used to capture or re-direct asteroids.
The method for cleaning space debris in earth’s atmosphere is shown in Fig.1.
Fig.1. The Method of returning the Space Debris to the Earth. (a)- Trajectories of SD having a high apogee (> 500 km). (b)- Spiral trajectory of SD having the initial circle trajectory in the Earth atmosphere (< 100 km). Notations: 1 – Earth, 2 – Earth atmosphere, 3 – boundary of the Earth atmosphere, 4 – SD or SA, 5 – trajectory of SD or SA.
The Air Brake Maneuver
The Earth is located in focus of the ellipse (Fig. 1.). The minimal altitude is named - perigee, the maximal altitude is named –apogee (Fig.1a). Apparatus/debris has an elliptical trajectory. The air brake maneuver is accomplished in the following manner. Once the SD target has been identified and slotted for end-of-life (“EOL”) protocol the SDCM functions to initiate the protocol. This is accomplished by simple maneuvering undertaken by the SDCM wherein apogee/perigee of
smaller/larger SD debris/architectures is manipulated so as to assure orbital decay and end-of-life as a result of atmospheric re-entry (burn). When SD/SA are maneuvered into new orbital planes and into the Earth’s atmosphere, additional drag results further enhance the air-brake-effect leading to end of life and debris mitigation objective. Implementing this maneuver results in apogee decrease while the trajectory becomes a closed circle and fully locates the targeted SD into the Earth’s atmosphere. Consequently, as a result of air drag, the trajectory takes on the form of a spiral orbit causing small SD/SA burns in atmosphere. In the case of larger SD, obsolete or dysfunctional satellites that are no longer operative and unable to perform EOL protocols, SDCM can maneuver to affix a controlled-release parachute to larger SA enabling safe earth return/landing/recovery.
The above methods are ideally suited for mitigation efforts at altitudes of perigee where SD is less than 350 km. If the altitude of SD/SA is more than 350 km - 450 km where lifetime can last for decades, the above methods can be implemented to mitigate SD included in these altitudes as well.
Solar braking/acceleration.
In this method the SD/SA connects with special thin film solar sail or parachute with surfaces having different colors. i.e., black-white or black-mirror. As the result the solar pressure (solar radiation) on sail (parachute) in left and right sides of circle orbit will be different (Fig.2) (F2 > F1). If the braking is more than acceleration, the SD/SA will decrease the perigee (Fig. 2a). If the braking is less than acceleration the SD/SA will increase the apogee (Fig. 2b).
Fig.2. Braking/acceleration of the Space Debris by the parachute-reflector. (a) – braking, F2 > F1; (b) – acceleration, F2 > F1 (again direction of apparatus moving). Notations: 1 – Earth, 2 – Earth atmosphere, 3 – SD or SA, 4 – parachute-reflector, 5 – trajectory of the SD/SA, 6 is solar radiation. F1 and F2 are the light force (pressure).
Fig. 2. c 4Babinka-Class SDCM’s (300kg)
Operation of the Brake-Reflector
Operation of the proposed Brake-Reflector is shown in Fig.3. The SDCM 1 (DA) is delivered to the orbital level of the targeted space debris (SD) 2 and positioned by onboard thrust engines. An extension apparatus (Fig.2c) can be attached to the SD by SDCM. SDCM may affix a thin cable to targeted SD enabling retrieval or removal to ISS for storage and later disposal. The SDCM can deploy a net 4 as shown in Fig.3b. The net 4 catches the space debris 2 (Fig. 3c) and releases, unwinds (reel off) a brake cable 5 (Fig.3d). As a result the SD passes its prior apogee/perigee to DA 3 (net) or SA 1 grasp apparatus. Thus, SD is braked and SA (if same is connected to SD) is accellerated. Once the maneuver is completed and the desired coordinates have been achieved the capture apparatus may be disconnected from the SD and the SD continues toward EOL status. In the second configuration where the Brake-Reflector has been attached, same is then disconnected from SA 1 (if it was connected to SA 1), the Brake-Reflector 6 is opened resulting in brake (to speed) of SD 3 by the Brake-Reflector 6 in the upper atmosphere and/or is impacted by solar radiation (Fig.3e)
4 Babinka Class Space Debris Cleanup Modules designed by Dr. Joseph A. Resnick
resulting in desired result leading toward EOL status. In the case of retreival/capture of large SD or
deactivated satellites these may be captured/returned to ISS for storage and later return to earth via
cargo transport.
Fig. 3. 5Method of Capture/Breaking of SD: (a) – deployment by SA 1 of 6special reactive
mechanical apparatus 3 (see Fig 2c); (b) – deploy capture appliance (special net 4) enabling SD
capture of SD 2; (c) – SD post capture; (d) – braking SD by mechanical projectile (mechanical
arms/nets) which can be used to attach a thin cable 5; (e) – the (air/solar light) braking maneuver by
parachute/reflector 6.
SD-F4
Fig.4. Proposed Form of Drag-Reflect Space Brake (Parachute, Sail) Notations: (a) – forward
view of drag-Reflector, (b,c)- side view of drag-reflector and parachute, (d) – spherical drag-reflector,
(e) – net (grid) for catching the space debris; 1 – inflatable ring (toroid), 2 – thin film (or solar sail),
3 – parachute, 4 – inflatable thin film ball, 5 – connection cables; 6 – direction of moving, 7 – light
thin net (grid), 8 – partition into toroid.
5 Notations: 1 – Space apparatus (SA); 2 – Space debris (SD), 3 – reactive mechanical apparatus, 4 – catch net, 5 – brake cable, 6 – control parachute,
reflector, mirror, brake.
6
The term, ‘projectile’ does not denote nor imply any apparatus, combined systems or mechanisms that could be considered ‘space weapons’ within the
meaning and scope of UNOOSA/COPOUS and OST definitions/treaties.
Design of Babinka-Class Space Apparatus
One possible design of the 7Babinka-Class Space Apparatus (Space Cleaner) is shown in Fig.5.
Fig.5. Alternate (blunt-nose front) design of the Babinka-class Space Apparatus (Space Cleaner).
Notations: (a) – side view, (b) – forward view; 1 – offer AB Space Cleaner; 2 – head section contains telemetry systems: locator, TV and radio translator, radio receiver, computer, remote controller suite; 3 – storage for the small pieces of the space debris; 3 – rocket engine section; 4 – doors and artificial arms for catching the space debris; 5 – maneuver small rocket engines; 6 – appliances for capturing large SD objects or pieces of the space debris (for example satellites, last rocket stages); 7 – storage for the small pieces of the space debris; 8 - fuel for main rocket engine; 9 – main rocket engine.
Proposed appliance for retrieving large objects (SD) is shown in Fig.6.
SD-F6
7 “AB Space Apparatus” (Space Cleaner) as designed by Dr. Alexander Bolonkin
Fig.6. Special Apparatus (SDCM) for catching and braking satellite or SD for delivery to space station for repair. Notations: (a) – side view; (b) – the forward view; 1 – SDCM body; 2 – head section contains telemetry suite: locator, TV and radio translator, radio receiver, computer, remote controllers; 3 – brake parachute or solar sail; 4 - maneuver small rocket engines; 5 – net section; 6 – solid fuel section of rocket engine; 7 – rocket engine.
Fig.7. Cartridge and housing for parachute assembly for quick deploy and rapid landing of space apparatus. Notations: 1 – body, 2 – brake parachute, 3 – air balloon for inflatable ring or ball, 4 – knockout charge, 5 – direction of parachute moving, 6 – fuse.
Compatible Innovations for fielding of the Babinka-Class Method and Apparatus. The Brake-Reflector can be integrated into SDCM designs and methods proposed by Dr. Joseph Resnick (Babinka/Babushka/Bavitza SDCM’s)
Fig. 8
8Babinka Class Space Debris Collection Module Fig 8.a
Babushka Class Space Debris Collection Module
Fig. 8.b
9Bavitza Class Space Debris Collection Module
8 Dr. Resnick has designed three separate classes of SDCM’s. These are: Babinka Class, Weight: 300Kg; Babushka Class, Weight: 600Kg; Bavitza Class, Weight: 900Kg.
9 Bavitza Class SDCM is shown with toroid ring assembly, air brake, aft capture apparatus, reel-cable guide rails and deployable brake-sail apparatus
Conventional Methods:
In usual (passive) methods the apparatus is remotely-controlled and has a communications suite that includes GIS uplink/downlink, a radio locator, onboard computer, next generation rockets, movable and retractable grappling arms, a cargo hold enabling storage of captured space debris (Fig.5.). The SDCM is placed in orbit and guided into debris fields where it achieves the same speed as the SD. SDCM’s are capable of complex maneuvers enabling attainment of suitable positions proximal to the targeted SD or debris fields comprised of SD <1 meter. In passive systems, e.g., the Babinka module, the front portion of the SDCM is retracted and the SDCM is guided by remote telemetry through the debris field resulting in collection and storage of SD. Alternatively, the Babinka-class SDCM is fitted with retractable grappling arms capable of grasp-holding large pieces of SD or entire satellites. The Babinka-class SDCM’s can hold 5-10 tons of cargo in the storage hold that has an overall dimension of approximately 18 feet in length and 16 feet in diameter. When the storage compartment is filled as desired, the SDCM can be maneuvered to the ISS for unloading or the cargo contents can be jettisoned in LEO assuring EOL to SD. Babinka-class and the Ling collection modules can be retrofitted to include proposed apparatus, e.g., nets, guide rails, parachutes, etc.
Alternate Method (Active-Capture Method/Apparatus) In an alternate configuration the method and the apparatus are remotely controlled, equipped with a complete communications and telemetry suite that includes GIS, radio locator, computer, and a small rocket engine. The alternate apparatus configuration is not designed to accommodate storage for SD. Rather, the alternate apparatus is designed to travel at high speed so that it can be sent directly to targets of great interest and secure the target so that it can be moved to the ISS. The alternate apparatus uses guide rails to secure the SD-target and a special apparatus attaches a disposable rocket motor, brake-reflector and parachute assemblies to the captured target. In yet another configuration a specially-designed capture appliance (e.g., netting) is deployed to enable target capture. In yet
another embodiment a cable-tether is attached to the SD-target so that the SD can be accelerated in order to achieve the desired apogee/perigee so that the captured SD can be directed into the earth’s atmosphere where it is exposed to EOL protocol. The small special rocket can be disconnected from SD. Upon disconnect the rocket motor deploys a secondary brake-reflector parachute sending the reusable rocket motor safely back to earth.
Looking Forward….
The 10Horizon 2020 Project promises to present realistic and viable avenues through which the problems apparent in dealing with space debris can be addressed in an organized manner. Although US-based companies, e.g., RMANNCO, Inc. and UMLR.net are precluded from participating directly in the Horizon 2020 Project the RMANNCO/UMLR does have close affiliations with scientists closely affiliated with ESA in Italy and Sweden. These individuals have expressed their willingness to present aspects of RMANNCO’s SDCM and planned cleanup methods to ESA/Horizon 2020 and these activities are in progress. In addition, RMANNCO/UMLR has engaged in discussions with 11Interorbital Systems of Mojave, CA and plans to utilize IOS for all of its planned launch activities.
Conclusion
The accumulation of space debris in the earth’s atmosphere is certain to continue. Countries and private companies continue to capitalize upon the ability to utilize the atmosphere as a seeding ground for more and more communication and earth observation platforms. And this trend is sure to continue. Although present OST (outer space treaty) mandates a maximum 25-year end-of-life cycle for most satellites, OST’s and other international agreements are, for the most part, unenforceable. Consequently, communications companies and governments continue to proliferate the atmosphere
10 See:
http://horizon2020projects.com/11 See:
http://www.interorbital.com/with satellites and various other space platforms. More recently, NASA, in conjunction with ESA, has commenced a project that allows the general public to ‘launch’ tube-sat’s from the ISS. This will most certainly compound the multiple problems associated with the issue of space debris. Although some companies have advertised the general public’s ability to ‘launch your own satellite into space’, and the advertising claims that sending tube-sat’s into LEO will have little or no impact on the earth due to the fact that the orbit of the tube-sat is only 130 Km above the earth’s surface, we believe that this trend contributes to the overall environmental problems attributable to accumulation of space debris.
END PRESENTATION
References
1.
http://orbitaldebris.jsc.nasa.gov/library/UN_Report_on_Space_Debris99.pdf2.
http://orbitaldebris.jsc.nasa.gov/library/USG_OD_Standard_Practices.pdf3.
http://orbitaldebris.jsc.nasa.gov/library/SatelliteFragHistory/TM-2008-214779.pdf4.
http://orbitaldebris.jsc.nasa.gov/library/A%20Technical%20Assessment.pdf5.
http://orbitaldebris.jsc.nasa.gov/library/IAR_95_Document.pdf6.
http://orbitaldebris.jsc.nasa.gov/library/IADC_Mitigation_Guidelines_Rev_1_Sep07.pdf7.
http://orbitaldebris.jsc.nasa.gov/library/Space%20Debris%20Mitigation%20Guidelines_COPUOS.pdf8.
http://orbitaldebris.jsc.nasa.gov/library/NPR_8715_006A.pdfAcknowledgments
1. NASA JPL (Space Debris Inventory Animation)
2. US Space Command
3. Dr. Alexander Bolonkin (USA)
4. Dr. Murad Ismailov (Tashkent, UZ)
5. Ms. Joy Mann (USA)
6. Mrs. Wendy Woodward (USA)
7. Dr. Valeri Golovichev (Sweden)
8. Dr. Claudio Bruno (Italy)
9. Master Holden A. Lane (USA)
10. Mr. Paulie Schrier (Master, Babinka Animations)
11. Mr. Ron Schmidt, Pegasus Group (NV)
12. Mr. John Fountain, Sr. (USA), Chief Cartographer, GRM/UMLR
13. Mr. John Lear (Galactic Resource Mgt. of Nevada)
14. Interorbital Systems of Mojave, CA
15. TheUniversalMineralLeasesRegistry, Inc. of Florida (Resnick-O’Neill-Cramer)
16. RMANNCO, Inc. of Nevada
For Additional Information POC:
Dr. Joseph A. Resnick
RMANNCO, Inc.
1016 NC Highway 268
Lenoir, NC 28645 USA
Ph/Fax: 828-572-1175
URL:
WWW.RMANNCO.COMURL:
WWW.UMLR.NetCOPYRIGHT, 1982-2014, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED UNDER UCC 1-207, UNIVERSALLY, DR. JOSEPH A. RESNICK, INVENTOR, RMANNCO, INC., THEUNIVERSALMINERALLEASESREGISTRY, INC., PATENTS PENDING APPROVAL
Here is a list of the documents and presentations I have collected:
I have them in PDF form and if you'd like a copy I'll email you one.
DETECTION OF SMALL-SIZE SPACE DEBRIS WITH THE
FGAN AND EISCAT RADARS
Holger Krag1, Heiner Klinkrad1, Rüdiger Jehn1, Jussi Markkanen2 and Ludger
Leushacke3
1ESA Space Debris Office, Robert-Bosch-Str. 5, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany
2EISCAT Scientific Association, Tähteläntie 54B 99600 Sodankylä, Finland
3FGAN-FHR, Neuenahrer Str. 20, 53343 Wachtberg, GermanyActive Removal of Space Debris
Expanding foam application for active
debris removal
Final Report
Authors: M. Andrenucci, P. Pergola, A. Ruggiero
Affiliation: University of Pisa - Aerospace Engineering Department - Italy
ACT researcher(s): J. Olympio, L. Summerer
Date: 21-02-2011Limiting Future Collision Risk to Spacecraft:
An Assessment of NASA’s Meteoroid and Orbital
Debris Programs