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| Autor principal: | |
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| Format: | Recurso digital |
| Idioma: | anglès |
| Publicat: |
Zenodo
2026
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| Matèries: | |
| Accés en línia: | https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19177724 |
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- <p>Space debris has become a major issue for satellites and manned space activities in recent times. Today, there are millions of satellites and debris in Earth’s orbit traveling at a speed of more than 7 km/s. The possibility of a catastrophic collision is rising exponentially. The mitigation of space debris has been addressed in various ways so far, mainly through prevention. The removal of debris has been proposed in various ways but has been deemed too costly for a single-target mission for the solution of space debris.<br><br>This research proposes a conceptual design for a new class of innovative spacecraft that will be called the ADCS-1 (Autonomous Debris Collection Spacecraft). The spacecraft has the capability to autonomously identify, track, capture, and de-orbit multiple pieces of space debris in a single mission. The spacecraft has a hybrid system that consists of a net and a 7-degree of freedom robotic arm for the capture of different pieces of space debris that range from 10 cm to 2 meters in diameter. The spacecraft also has the capability to maneuver with the help of electric propulsion systems that consist of Hall-effect thrusters with a delta V of 1,500 meters per second for a mission that lasts for 30-90 days.<br><br>The design utilizes existing space technology like LIDAR tracking systems, autonomous navigation systems using AI, and solar electric propulsion systems. Orbital mechanics analysis confirms the technical feasibility of multi-target missions using Hohmann transfers and optimizing fuel usage. Economic analysis also reveals the potential to lower the cost of removing single pieces of space debris, currently ranging from 100 to 300 million dollars, to a range of 3 to 5 million dollars through multi-target missions, a 10-30 times improvement over single-target missions.<br><br>The key innovations in the design are:<br>(1) Autonomous AI algorithms for long-duration missions with minimum ground support.<br>(2) Adaptive capture mechanisms for spinning as well as non-spinning space debris.<br>(3) Design flexibility to accommodate fleet missions to combat space debris accumulation.<br>(4) Modular design to be launchable on commercial launch vehicles at a mass of 1,730 kg.<br><br>The research acknowledges some of the key challenges faced, such as orbital plane change, space debris characterization, simulation studies, etc. A detailed roadmap for future research has been included.<br>The conceptual design validates the technical feasibility of active space debris removal missions using existing space technology. Moreover, it validates the economic viability of active space debris removal missions.<br><br>Thus, with appropriate investment and collaboration, multi-target autonomous space debris collection missions can start to clean our space environment in the present decade, providing sustainable space access to future generations.</p>