Spacecraft-plasma-debris interaction in an ion beam shepherd mission

Abstract

This paper presents a study of the interaction between a spacecraft, a plasma thruster plume and a free floating object, in the context of an active space debris removal mission based on the ion beam shepherd concept. The analysis is performed with the EP2PLUS hybrid code and includes the evaluation of the transferred force and torque to the target debris, its surface sputtering due to the impinging hypersonic ions, and the equivalent electric circuit of the spacecraft-plasma-debris interaction. The electric potential difference that builds up between the spacecraft and the debris, the ion backscattering and the backsputtering contamination of the shepherd satellite are evaluated for a nominal scenario. A sensitivity analysis is carried out to evaluate quantitatively the effects of electron thermodynamics, ambient plasma, heavy species collisions, and debris position.

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

“…A given method is based on creating artificial atmosphere along the motion path of a target object by spraying chemical reagents, by influencing a target object in space debris with ionic radiation [12], by using generators of electric and magnetic fields, etc. [13]. However, a given method demonstrates low efficiency when removing largesized space objects.…”

Perspectives, frontiers, and new horizons for plasma-based space electric propulsion

“…One more interesting application is the use of plasma thrusters for Spacecraft-plasma-debris removal (Figure 20). 182 Space debris removal from the Earth orbit by using a satellite is an emergent technological challenge for sustainable human activities in space. In order to de-orbit debris it is necessary to impart a force to decelerate it, resulting in its atmospheric re-entry.…”

Development of the combined method to de-orbit space objects using an electric rocket propulsion system

“…The issues related to the process of de-orbiting using directional ion radiation are considered in works [31][32][33][34]. An analysis of the concept of building a de-orbiting means that brakes an object using directional ion radiation is given in [31].…”

“…It was determined that to ensure the quality of operation it is necessary to use ion engines with a beam divergence of fewer than 15 degrees. Article [33] reported a study of the interaction between the removed object and a means of de-orbiting using directional ion radiation. The authors assessed the braking force and torque received by the removed object from the impact of ion radiation.…”