Risk to space sustainability from large constellations of satellites

Abstract

Abstract:The number of artificial objects in orbit continues to increase and, with it, a key threat to space sustainability. In response, space agencies have identified a set of mitigation guidelines aimed at enabling space users to reduce the generation of space debris by, for example, limiting the orbital lifetime of their spacecraft and launcher stages after the end of their mission. Planned, large constellations of satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO), though addressing the lack of basic internet coverage in some world regions, may disrupt the sustainability of the space environment enabled by these mitigation practices. We analyse the response of the space object population to the introduction of a large constellation conforming to the post-mission disposal guideline with differing levels of success and with different disposal orbit options. The results show that a high success rate of post-mission disposal by constellation satellites is a key driver for space sustainability.

Analysis of ballistic aspects in the combined method for removing space objects from the near­Earth orbits

“…At present, more than ten thousand various space debris objects move in low near-Earth orbits [1]. These include satellites that exhausted their service time, upper stages of carrier rockets, as well as fragments from explosions, destructions, and other emergencies.…”

Tutorial Review on Space Manipulators for Space Debris Mitigation

“…An increase in cross section from 1 m 2 to 6 m 2 resulted in a much higher collision rate, but extension of satellite lifetime from 3 to 10 years reduced debris generation by 30%. If the strategy of satellite removal within 25 years were enacted in large constellations in LEO, it would obviate the mitigation effects of this strategy, and the prospects for extending it appear bleak [37]. Hence, self-disposal appears to be ineffective at LEO.…”

Reflectarray antennas: a smart solution for new generation satellite mega-constellations in space communications

“…In this regard, one of the most ambitious projects in space communications in recent years is the development and deployment of satellite mega-constellations 2 – 4 , consisting of hundreds, or even thousands, of small satellites to provide worldwide broadband internet services with large bandwidth and low latency, even in remote places where there is no broadband access. Several companies such as Space X, OneWeb and Airbus have plans to develop these constellations 5 , which would require space debris mitigation plans 6 , 7 due to the elevated risk of collisions 8 , 9 , and be cheap to manufacture 5 . Cube satellites, also known as CubeSats, have been gaining momentum in recent years for low earth orbit (LEO) missions.…”