Removing Orbital Debris with Less Risk

摘要: Deorbit concepts have been proposed for dealing with the growing problems posed by orbital debris. Most devices use large structures that interact atmosphere, magnetic field, or solar environment to deorbit objects more rapidly than natural decay. Some may be better others relative likelihood of collisions during their use. Current guidelines attempt address this risk applying metric area-time product compare probability a object experiencing debris-generating impact. However, approach is valid only very small debris objects. The peak in distribution area occurs characteristic size close 2 m. For such objects, some which are operating satellites, it important incorporate augmented collision cross-sectional area, takes into account both colliding when computing product. This new leads ...