Glossary

8.2 Propulsion systems for debris removal

2 min read•august 7, 2024

Propulsion systems are crucial for active debris removal. From chemical rockets to electric thrusters, each type offers unique advantages. Understanding their performance metrics helps engineers choose the best system for specific debris removal missions.

Deorbiting devices complement propulsion systems in debris mitigation. and ensure satellites can safely re-enter Earth's atmosphere after their mission ends, reducing the risk of creating more space junk.

Propulsion Technologies

Chemical and Electric Propulsion Systems

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  • systems generate by combusting propellants (hydrazine, hydrogen peroxide) and expelling hot gases through a nozzle
  • systems accelerate propellants using electrical energy, resulting in lower thrust but higher compared to chemical propulsion
  • utilize electrostatic fields to accelerate ionized propellants (xenon) and provide high specific impulse but low thrust suitable for precise maneuvering and station-keeping
  • accelerate ions using a combination of electric and magnetic fields, offering a balance between thrust and specific impulse ()

Propellantless Propulsion Technologies

  • harness the momentum of photons from the sun to generate thrust without using propellant, relying on large, lightweight reflective surfaces ()
  • generate thrust by interacting with Earth's magnetic field, using long conductive wires to induce a current and produce a Lorentz force for propulsion or deorbiting ()

Deorbiting Devices

Deorbit Kits and Drag Augmentation

  • Deorbit kits are self-contained modules attached to satellites before launch, designed to deorbit the spacecraft at the end of its mission using propulsion or drag augmentation techniques
  • Drag augmentation devices increase the surface area of a spacecraft to enhance atmospheric drag and accelerate orbital decay, leading to faster deorbiting (inflatable balloons, deployable sails)
  • Deorbit kits and drag augmentation devices help ensure compliance with space debris mitigation guidelines by reducing the time spent in orbit after mission completion, minimizing the risk of collisions and fragmentation events

Propulsion Performance Metrics

Specific Impulse and Delta-v

  • Specific impulse (IspI_{sp}) measures the efficiency of a propulsion system, defined as the thrust produced per unit of propellant flow rate, expressed in seconds (Isp=Fm˙g0I_{sp} = \frac{F}{\dot{m}g_0})
  • Higher specific impulse indicates better and longer mission durations, as less propellant is required to achieve the same change in velocity (electric propulsion systems typically have higher IspI_{sp} than chemical propulsion)
  • represents the total change in velocity required for a mission, accounting for orbital maneuvers, station-keeping, and deorbiting
  • Propulsion system selection and sizing depend on the delta-v budget and mission requirements, balancing factors such as thrust, specific impulse, power consumption, and mass (Tsiolkovsky rocket equation: Δv=Ispg0ln⁡m0mf\Delta v = I_{sp} g_0 \ln\frac{m_0}{m_f})

Key Terms to Review (20)

Busek bht-200: The busek bht-200 is a propulsion system designed specifically for space debris removal missions. This system utilizes a combination of electric and chemical propulsion technologies to efficiently maneuver spacecraft in orbit and capture or deorbit space debris. Its innovative design allows for increased thrust and precision, making it a key player in the efforts to mitigate the growing problem of orbital debris.
Chemical Propulsion: Chemical propulsion refers to the method of generating thrust by expelling high-speed exhaust from a chemical reaction, typically involving the combustion of fuel and an oxidizer. This type of propulsion is essential for maneuvering spacecraft and satellites, providing the necessary force to change orbits, perform deorbiting maneuvers, or execute controlled reentries in efforts to mitigate space debris.
Delta-v budget: A delta-v budget refers to the calculated amount of change in velocity required for a spacecraft to complete its mission objectives, factoring in all planned maneuvers. This budget is crucial for ensuring that the spacecraft has enough propulsion capability to achieve necessary orbital changes, rendezvous, or deorbiting, especially when considering risk mitigation and debris removal. Proper management of the delta-v budget helps optimize fuel usage and increases the mission's success rate by ensuring that each maneuver is feasible within the available resources.
Deorbit kits: Deorbit kits are specialized systems designed to facilitate the controlled reentry of defunct satellites and space debris into the Earth's atmosphere, ultimately ensuring that these objects burn up upon reentry or fall into designated areas. These kits can include propulsion devices, drag sails, and other mechanisms that help to reduce the object's orbital altitude over time, making them an essential component in space debris mitigation efforts.
Drag Augmentation: Drag augmentation is a technique used to increase the aerodynamic drag on an object, such as space debris, to enhance its atmospheric re-entry or orbital decay. By manipulating the shape or surface properties of debris, drag augmentation can significantly shorten the time it takes for an object to re-enter the atmosphere or fall out of orbit, making it a crucial strategy for debris removal efforts.
Electric propulsion: Electric propulsion refers to a type of spacecraft propulsion system that uses electrical energy to accelerate propellant and generate thrust. This technology provides higher efficiency compared to traditional chemical propulsion, allowing spacecraft to operate longer and travel farther in space. Electric propulsion is particularly relevant for missions involving debris removal and addressing the challenges posed by mega-constellations in orbit.
Electrodynamic Tethers: Electrodynamic tethers are long, conductive cables deployed in space that generate thrust through interaction with the Earth's magnetic field. By moving through the magnetic field, these tethers can either provide propulsion for spacecraft or help remove debris from orbit, making them a promising technology for space sustainability and debris mitigation efforts.
Energy consumption: Energy consumption refers to the total amount of energy used by a system or process, measured in joules or kilowatt-hours. In the context of debris removal, understanding energy consumption is crucial because it impacts the efficiency, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness of propulsion systems utilized to mitigate space debris. Efficient energy consumption can lead to optimized mission profiles and reduced operational costs for debris removal efforts.
Guidance systems: Guidance systems are mechanisms used to direct and control the trajectory of vehicles or objects, ensuring they reach their intended destination accurately and efficiently. These systems incorporate various technologies such as sensors, control algorithms, and communication systems to navigate and make real-time adjustments, which are crucial for effective operation in challenging environments like space.
Hall Effect Thrusters: Hall Effect Thrusters are a type of electric propulsion system that utilizes electromagnetic fields to accelerate ionized gas, or plasma, to produce thrust. These thrusters are particularly efficient and suitable for space applications, including orbital maneuvers and debris removal missions, due to their high specific impulse and low propellant consumption.
Ikaros spacecraft: The Ikaros spacecraft, developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), is a pioneering spacecraft designed for solar sail propulsion. It was the first spacecraft to successfully demonstrate solar sailing, utilizing the pressure of sunlight to propel itself through space, showcasing a novel approach to propulsion systems that could be critical for future debris removal efforts.
Ion thrusters: Ion thrusters are a type of electric propulsion system that generates thrust by accelerating ions using electric fields. These engines are particularly efficient, allowing spacecraft to achieve higher velocities with significantly less propellant compared to traditional chemical rockets, making them suitable for long-duration space missions and debris removal efforts.
Mass efficiency: Mass efficiency refers to the effectiveness of a propulsion system in using its mass to achieve desired outcomes, particularly in terms of thrust and fuel consumption. This concept is crucial for evaluating the performance of propulsion systems specifically designed for debris removal in space, as it directly impacts the mission's success, cost-effectiveness, and overall feasibility.
Navigation algorithms: Navigation algorithms are computational methods used to determine the optimal path for spacecraft and satellites in space. These algorithms take into account various factors such as orbital mechanics, gravitational influences, and collision avoidance to guide spacecraft safely through the debris-laden environment of space. They are essential for effective debris removal operations, ensuring that missions can navigate around space debris while efficiently reaching their targets.
Propellant Efficiency: Propellant efficiency refers to the effectiveness with which a propulsion system converts propellant mass into thrust, commonly expressed in terms of specific impulse (Isp). This efficiency plays a crucial role in determining the performance and effectiveness of propulsion systems used for various applications, including the removal of space debris, where maximizing thrust while minimizing fuel consumption is essential for successful operations.
Solar sails: Solar sails are a form of spacecraft propulsion that utilizes the pressure of sunlight for propulsion. By deploying large, reflective sails, these systems harness the momentum of photons from the sun, allowing spacecraft to travel through space without the need for traditional fuel. This innovative approach offers a potential solution for long-duration missions and debris removal in space.
Specific Impulse: Specific impulse is a measure of the efficiency of rocket and jet engines, defined as the thrust produced per unit weight flow of propellant. It reflects how effectively a propulsion system converts fuel into thrust, with higher values indicating better performance and fuel efficiency. This concept is particularly crucial in designing propulsion systems for space applications, such as debris removal, where optimizing fuel usage can significantly impact mission success.
Tethersat Mission Concept: The Tethersat mission concept involves using electrodynamic tethers for propulsion and drag augmentation in space, particularly to manage and remove space debris. By deploying a long, conductive tether that interacts with the Earth's magnetic field, spacecraft can harness electrical forces to change their orbits or slow down, facilitating debris removal efforts effectively and efficiently.
Thrust: Thrust is the force that propels a spacecraft or object in a specific direction, generated by its propulsion system. It is crucial for maneuvering and controlling spacecraft, especially when dealing with space debris removal, as it determines the velocity and trajectory of the craft to ensure effective engagement with debris objects. The amount of thrust produced directly influences the mission's success and efficiency.
Wernher von Braun: Wernher von Braun was a German-American aerospace engineer and space architect known for his pivotal role in the development of rocket technology and space exploration. His work laid the foundation for modern space travel, particularly through the development of the Saturn V rocket, which enabled human landings on the Moon. Von Braun's contributions to propulsion systems were instrumental in creating effective solutions for space missions, including future debris removal efforts.
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