Launchspace Training

12/15/2008

Is it possible to clean up space debris without weaponizing space?

PART 4: RESULTS OF THE SEARCH FOR IDEAS
ON ELIMINATING SPACE DEBRIS - The Quest Continues

Launchspace has received approximately 100 ideas and suggestions on cleaning up space debris. Many of these are simply not realistic for reasons ranging from violation of physical principles to excessive collateral damage. Of course, many are just too costly when compared to other approaches.

It is interesting and instructive to mention one of the seemingly good ideas submitted as an example of how complexity quickly enters the picture and might outweigh the advantages. One idea received from a non-US source suggests orbiting a large number of mirrors or lens that would concentrate the sun's rays on individual debris pieces. If properly done, solar energy would melt and vaporize the debris. This approach could reduce the size of debris pieces, but increase the total number of pieces in orbit. The underlying advantage is that debris impact with spacecraft would be less damaging and could be mitigated through the use of proper shielding. One disadvantage, however, is that the number of debris pieces in orbit would increase by orders of magnitude. Ultimately, if all large debris pieces were reduced to microscopic particles, there could be one massive cloud of metallic dust particles engulfing the space near Earth. This dust cloud could interfere with many sensors on satellites, such as telescopes and star trackers. Metallic particles would scatter sun light that might confuse sensors, but also create depositions on lens. In addition to sensors, other part of satellite could be affected. Solar arrays might be coated or pitted to the point where they may become ineffective in a short period of time.

There are a few other issues that must be considered. Using satellites to focus energy in order to destroy debris, is similar to using satellites to destroy or damage other satellites. The technology and hardware could be categorized as space weaponry, a very sensitive international political issue. Although treaties have not been signed, there have been a number of attempts to ban space weapons. However, if we assume that this not an issue, there are the cost and complexity concerns. Large mirrors or lens in orbit have to be precisely controlled and steered. Such requirements quickly lead to large spacecraft that have high associated costs, both for development and for operations. Since debris would have to be dealt with on a one-at-a-time basis, there would have to be many concentrators in orbit, or the process would take decades. Based on an estimated 10,000 pieces of dangerous debris and assuming each piece would require about 10 days to target and destroy with 10 concentrators in orbit, it might take up to 30 years to reduce significant debris pieces to dust.

At the moment this approach does not seem to be promising. But, the underlying question here is: Can we eliminate space debris without placing weapons in space? We do not want to place weapons in space, but can we avoid it in the process of cleaning up space? And, what are the national security implications of methods for eliminating debris? Launchspace is investigating these issues and more. If you have any ideas on how to avoid weaponizing space, please send them to us at training@launchspace.com. If you want to better understand National Security Space, register for Launchspace's new course on this topic at: www.launchspace.com.

This course addresses the fundamental issues of space utilization for security, management and organizational issues, technology challenges and expectations for the future. Attendees will quickly develop insights into the critical issues facing us in National Security Space and possible solutions. The course is a must for those who need to understand National Security Space and the challenges ahead. We hope to see you for the class on January 26-27, 2009 in Bethesda, Maryland.

Past Articles

XCOR Aerospace to Announce Ticket Sales for Suborbital Space Flights

BY KEITH STEIN, Launchspace Associate Technical Editor

Next week, a California-based aerospace company will introduce it's General Sales Agent to the public so individuals can start buying tickets for a ride into space on their Lynx rocket.

“Even if the overall economy may look down, the market for space tourism is looking up,” XCOR Aerospace said in a press statement Tuesday. The company claims they have broken the government monopoly on space travel and lowered the cost of space access.

On Dec. 2, XCOR Aerospace, builder of the two-seat Lynx rocket-powered suborbital launch vehicle, will introduce it’s General Sales Agent for ticket sales and will announce a price that is substantially lower than prices quoted by leading competitors, the company said.

XCOR will introduce its new partner, a well-known and established travel entrepreneur with extensive experience in high-end adventure travel, who will outline the total Lynx flight experience, from initial screening, to training, and finally, the flight itself.

The first commercial Lynx suborbital space flight participant will also attend the conference, a European adventurer who aims to be the first person from his country to make a suborbital flight.

Three time shuttle pilot and commander, Col. Rick Searfoss (Air Force-Ret) will describe the Lynx flight experience from the point of view of a test pilot and astronaut.

XCOR CEO Jeff Greason and COO Andrew Nelson will also attend. They will discuss design features that allow the Lynx to minimize its environmental impact: non-toxic propellants, clean-burning efficient engines, and a fully reusable system.

Chris Gilman, founder and chief designer of Orbital Outfitters, a NASA spacesuit contractor, will join the press conference wearing the special spacesuit to be worn by all who fly aboard the Lynx.