Nebula Public Library

The knowledge bank of ESA’s R&D programmes

Space Debris Deflection by Space-Based Laser

Programme
Discovery
Programme Reference
19-D-T-OPS-01
Contractor
Start Date
End Date
Status
Closed
Country
France
Space Debris Deflection by Space-Based Laser
Description

The study takes place in the context of the space environment remediation. Tackling the issue of space debris is becoming more and more critical as it becomes more dangerous for existing and future space missions. Solutions must be found to ensure the security of space missions security and a clean space environment. Laser pressure solutions are considered promising as they only using momentum transfer to perform debris manoeuvres to avoid collisions. This means that no additional debris is generated using this technique. The goal of this study was to analyse the feasability of such a laser momentum transfer mission and to identify the associated performance and envisaged solution architecture.

Technology Domain
Executive summary