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Exploring the Use of Molecular Dynamics Simulations for High-Performance Space Debris Collision Modelling

For long-term studies, numerical simulations are at the center of predicting the space debris environment of the upcoming decades. In the scope of the study, the authors present the architecture and proof-of-concept results for a numerical simulation capable of modeling the long-term debris evolution over decades with a deterministic conjunction tracking model in contrast to typically employed Monte Carlo methods. For the simulation, an efficient propagator in modern C++ accounting for Earth’s gravitational anomalies, solar radiation pressure, and atmospheric drag was developed.

Germany

21-D-A-02

University of Munich
An End of Life Strategy for Solar Power Satellites

Space Based Solar Power concepts promise the generation of large amounts of renewable power by launching vast Solar Power Satellites (SPS) into space and beaming the power back to rectennas on Earth. Due to diffraction physics, large scale arrays delivering 2GW of power to the ground will be on the order of a kilometre in length and have masses between 2,000 and 10,000 tonnes. As of January 2020, the amount of debris orbiting the Earth exceeded 8,000 metric tonnes.

UK

21-D-S-TEC-01-e

FRAZER-NASH
European Space Debris Suppression (eSpades)

Space debris is mainly constituted by small items which cannot be de-orbited by using specific satellites launched from the Earth due to costs and difficulty in miniaturizing robotic arms or other rigid actuation systems. In a long-period vision, small cleaning satellites, with a size comparable with the debris to remove, can be manufactured in Space. Traditional robotic systems would be extremely expensive and some also would have problems in grabbing objects with undefined shape.

Italy

S 2020-06-a

University of Rome `Tor...
Bio-inspired Solutions for Space Debris Removal

The BIOINSPACED project was initiated to find bio-inspired solutions for space debris removal because the identification, orbital alignment, capture and removal of uncooperative bodies in space is incredibly complex and no fully functioning method is available to date. Biology and its evolved mechanisms often provide specialized concepts that show great transferability to technical systems.

Germany

19-D-T-TEC-02

Fraunhofer CML
Analysis of space debris recycling potential to supply raw materials for construction on the Moon

As on Earth, space debris should not only be seen as a threat. Instead, the value of waste as a recycled good should be understood. On Earth, this potential is already fully recognised. The German recycling industry alone generates more revenue than the entire European space industry. Nevertheless, this treasure was never lifted in space.

Germany

S 2020-02-b

Orbit Recycling
Space Debris Deflection by Space-Based Laser

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.

Italy

19-D-T-OPS-01

Thales Alenia Space
Preliminary design of on-orbit manufacturing of large antenna reflectors

This study aims to carry out the conceptual design of a large-parabolic-antenna reflector that is manufactured and assembled on-orbit.

Through its Clean Space initiative, ESA has been devoting an increasing amount of attention to the environmental impact of its activities, including its own operations as well as operations performed by European industry in the frame of ESA programmes. In its Technology Strategy, ESA identified 'Inverting Europe’s contribution to space debris by 2030' as one of the four technology development targets.

France

19-D-S-TEC-07

Airbus
Hera Investigation Team (HIT) analyses

We have continued our shock physics code calculation studies of DART-like impact events. This includes comparisons of iSALE and SPH code calculations, using a range of strength and structural properties. The effect of porosity was studied in detail by applying different crushcurves, representing materials with varying crushing strength. The crushcurve was found to have a large influence on the outcome, in particular the ejecta properties and momentum transfer.

France

18/701

OCA
Removal of the VESPA upper part

The objective of the Landmark ClearSpace-1 mission will be to demonstrate the complete value chain of active debris removal by removing an ESA-owned object (a VESPA upper part orbiting at an altitude of 500 km) by 2025.

Switzerland

19-D-S-TEC-03

ClearSpace

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