Development of electrodynamic tether technology for space debris removal

在过去十年中，空间飞行国家的数量急剧增加，能够将自己的卫星送入轨道的国家数量也大幅增加。一些地球轨道，特别是通信卫星理想的地球同步轨道(GSO)和地球观测卫星青睐的太阳同步轨道(SSO)，随着越来越多的人造物体发射到这些轨道上，正变得越来越拥挤。因此，运行中的卫星与空间碎片(发生故障的航天器和废弃火箭)发生意外碰撞的可能性增加。众所周知，空间碎片对卫星的安全运行和空间活动的长期可持续性构成严重威胁。目前低地球轨道(LEO)中的空间碎片数量将很快在某些高度达到足够的密度，即使没有任何新的发射，碰撞也会继续进行，如果没有新的发射，则会出现称为凯斯勒综合症的碰撞级联 已经采取了行动。接合方案的目标是在发展空间碎片缓减和清除技术方面形成战略关系，利用电动系绳防止因非运行卫星及其碎片化而增加空间碎片。它将研究(1)技术可行性，(2)将有效控制碎片数量的缓解和补救战略，(3)解决办法在当今空间市场中的相关性，以及(4)如何提高公众对空间可持续性的认识。长期目标是利用具有成本效益的U级CubSat平台飞行一次任务，以演示EDT脱轨技术。这将实现尼普泰克作为国际空间界世界级供应商的使命。这项研究还支持加拿大致力于实现空间碎片协委会的目标 (1)采取更积极的措施，特别是以具有成本效益的方式拆除大量不起作用或任务结束时使用的航天器和废弃火箭；(2)提高任务结束时脱轨技术的技术准备水平。

Over the last ten years, the number of space faring States has increased dramatically as well as the number of states capable of launching their own satellites into orbits. Some Earth orbits, specifically the geosynchronous orbits (GSO) ideal for communication satellites, and the Sun synchronous orbits (SSO) favored for Earth observing satellites, are becoming increasingly crowded as more man-made objects are launched into these orbits. Consequently, the probability of accidental collision among operational satellites and space debris (malfunctioned spacecraft and spent rockets) has been increased. It is well recognized that space debris poses a serious threat to the safe operation of satellites and the long-term sustainability of space activities. The current space debris population in low Earth orbit (LEO) will soon reach a sufficient density at some altitudes for the collisions to continue even without any new launches, a collisional cascading called Kessler syndrome if no action is taken. The objective of the engage program is to form a strategic relationship in developing space debris mitigation and removal technology using electrodynamic tethers to prevent the increase of space debris due to non-operational satellites and their fragmentation. It will study (i) the technical feasibility, (ii) the mitigation and remediation strategies that will control debris population effectively, (iii) the relevance of the solution in today's space marketplace, and (iv) how to raise the public awareness of space sustainability. The long-term objective is to fly a mission to demonstrate the EDT deorbit technology using the cost-effective U-Class CubSat platform. This will fulfill the goal of NEPTEC's Mission as a world-class supplier to the international space community. This study also supports the Canada's commitment to the IADC objectives to (i) implement more aggressive measures, especially the removal of massive non-functional or end-of-mission spacecraft and spent rockets in a cost-effective manner, (ii) advance the technology readiness level for the end-of-mission deorbit technologies.