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Tests have demonstrated that it is possible to clean coatings off surfaces using highpower, pulsed, high-repetition-rate lasers. The purpose of this contract is to demonstrate (1) that pulsed-repetition lasers can be used to remove paint from concrete and metal surfaces, including cleaning out the surface pores, (2) that the cleaning process will result in negligible release of contaminated ablated material to the environment, and (3) that the process generates negligible additional waste compared to competing technologies. This report covers technical progress during Phase I of the contract and makes recommendations for technology development in Phase II.

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Orbital debris is a growing international issue, including rising visibility within the United Nations (U.N.). In one to two decades, orbiting debris will significantly inhibit use of some of the most valuable orbits. This will have a significant economic impact on both government and commercial uses of space. The following steps are needed for coordinated efforts: 1) Increase observational assets, with the initial emphasis on expanding and integrating data from ground-based assets. Development will also continue on space-based measurement capabilities.2) Have the data from the collection assets sent by high-speed data links to a central location to a Center for Space Debris Analysis (CSDA).3) In the CSDA, the data would be analyzed, cross-correlated, cataloged, and modeled. The CSDA would also provide spacecraft design services, to minimize debris generated and maximize lifetime. The main thrusts of the CSDA will be on mitigation and risk reduction.4) The CSDA data would be available to government agencies, launch vehicle firms, satellite builders, insurance companies, communication satellite firms, etc.After about four years of start-up funding from the U.S. government, the CSDA should become self-sustaining with funds generated from users: internationally public and private.