New GEO paradigm: Re-purposing satellite components from the GEO graveyard

Barbara, Nicholas H.; Lizy-Destrez, Stéphanie; Guardabasso, Paolo; Alary, Didier

doi:10.1016/j.actaastro.2020.03.041

Cited by 8 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 8 publications

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“…We recommend that changes be made during the satellite design phase to avoid the creation of space junk. The reusable rocket launcher Falcon developed by SpaceX uses a benign separation system that reduces the debris generated during the mission separation phase [76] , which could be a good example of how to address the everincreasing problem of space pollution as the organization tries to maximize the usage of this reusable rocket engine. Also, one more practical option for satellites and orbital stages within or close to the geostationary ring is to re-orbit into a "graveyard orbit" after the mission is complete.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A re-examination of the space debris problem using systems thinking

Verma¹,

Gangadhari²,

Pandey³

2023

Space Missn Plann Ope

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Artificial satellites have enormous advantages, resulting in a massive increase in launches. As of January 2022, approximately 4852 operational satellites were orbiting Earth, assisting humans in communication, technology development, space observation, and earth science. Among the cataloged objects in space, only 20% are operational satellites, with the rest being debris. This debris poses a danger to active satellites and limits the orbital space for new satellite launches. These non-functional, fast-moving debris pieces may trigger collisions and potentially create new fragments of space junk. Most countries striving to exploit outer space have neglected the long-term consequences as explained by the tragedy of the Commons archetype. This study examines how the space race led to the specific issue of orbital debris using a systems thinking approach. Using counter-intuitiveness, causal loop diagrams (CLD), systemigrams, and archetypes as systems thinking methods and concepts to explain the space debris challenge. The systems thinking tools used in this study attempt to highlight the current space debris problem and the lack of a clear policy framework to mitigate the severity of the problem. Even though many private organizations and some space agencies are conceptualizing ideas to remove debris from space, the major issues in resolving this problem are time, cost, and uncertainty. Our findings highlight the importance of addressing the issue at the technological, system engineering, and policy levels.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A re-examination of the space debris problem using systems thinking

Verma¹,

Gangadhari²,

Pandey³

2023

Space Missn Plann Ope

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“…After decades of space flight, an increasing number of satellites have become dead satellites as a result of running out of propellant [1,2]. The traditional solution is to launch new satellites with the same functions to replace dead satellites.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Design and Analysis of a Novel Floating Docking Mechanism for On-Orbit Refueling

Sun

Zhang

et al. 2022

Aerospace

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The docking mechanism is a key component for on-orbit refueling technology. In this paper, the design and analysis of a novel floating docking mechanism for on-orbit berthing-based refueling is presented. Compared with traditional berthing and docking, the berthing here is high in success rate and low in impact, which is accomplished by stretching out a docking subassembly instead of pulling back the client spacecraft. However, the berthing also has two problems: initial deviations between two spacecraft and an additional force generated by a hard alloy refueling pipe, which both seriously affect the docking operation. Thus, the docking mechanism is designed to have alignment abilities and decrease the additional force as much as possible. Based on the principles above, we introduced spring pins and a helical refueling pipe to design a light, compact, and simple docking mechanism. To further reduce the additional force, we proposed an elliptical-helical pipe and analyzed its mechanical properties. Finally, simulations and experiments were conducted to validate the proposed mechanism. The results show that the proposed mechanism with an elliptical-helical pipe has a high tolerance for linear and angular misalignment and superior dynamic performance during docking.

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“…The debris will be reused, repurposed or recycled, creating a basis for a circular economy in space. Whilst recycling of space debris is not itself a new concept [3] [4], here it is considered what would be required to enable such an ecosystem in GEO. *j.kingston@cranfield.ac.uk Space, Satellites + Sustainability (S3), 28 September -1 October 2021, Glasgow, UK DOI:10.1117/12.2600964…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

What might sustainability of the GEO region look like?

Kingston

Felicetti

Hobbs

2021

Space, Satellites, and Sustainability II

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Sustainability in space is often discussed, but as a community we are only gradually learning what it actually means. To inform this understanding, a set of three parallel projects ran at Cranfield University (Oct 2020 to Mar 2021) to develop a scenario of sustainable use of the geostationary orbit region. The three projects were to develop mission designs for (a) a Scavenger spacecraft equipped with tools, actuators and sensors to perform rendezvous with selected satellites at their end of life, to harvest selected parts and components (i.e. solar panels, radiators, antenna reflectors), store and deliver them to the Recycler for refurbishment or recycling, (b) a Recycler space station located in GEO, capable of receiving parts and materials obtained by the Scavenger spacecraft and performing a range of inspection, recycling and repurposing operations on them, and (c) a candidate customer mission: a huge communications satellite based on the Airbus VASANT (VASt ANTenna) concept, with two antenna arrays, each 35 m square, sized to be able to communicate directly from GEO to mobile phone users at Earth's surface. Some of the features highlighted by these studies are (a) the technical challenges of reusing parts from old satellites: modularity and design-for-reuse seem to be key enablers, (b) the advanced robotics and autonomy implied by the on-orbit operations, (c) the challenge of long-term orbit control without excessive propellant consumption, and (d) although the technology is challenging, there are major non-technical challenges for the business case and for aspects such as the legal use of debris, liability for accidents, and compliance with any regulations. Sustainability is challenging, but nature leaves us no alternative.

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New GEO paradigm: Re-purposing satellite components from the GEO graveyard

Cited by 8 publications

References 8 publications

A re-examination of the space debris problem using systems thinking

A re-examination of the space debris problem using systems thinking

Design and Analysis of a Novel Floating Docking Mechanism for On-Orbit Refueling

What might sustainability of the GEO region look like?

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