Concept of Operations for the Dust Dispenser Spacecraft for Active Orbital Debris Removal
Abstract
This document presents the concept of operations for the tungsten-particle dispenser spacecraft and supporting systems used in the formation of an artificial ring of dust for active orbital debris removal. Previous papers explained the ring of dust that increases drag on small orbital debris causing it to decrease altitude and enter the Earth s atmosphere. Because this technique is novel, legal and international issues are recognized to allow the engineering community to become aware of these challenges early in the mission development. A short review of earlier work motivates the mission goals and the size and quantity of tungsten spheres to be dispensed along an orbiting ring 1,100 km circular altitude at 90 deg inclination. Discussion of spacecraft subsystems is capped with a review of spacecraft modes and fault detection. Large capacity launch vehicles are indicated for this mission and launch sites supporting polar orbits are noted. Mission and ground operations support is highlighted along with the suggestion that ground stations near the poles are better suited for this orbit inclination. A chronological discussion of a normal mission is presented. Suggested secondary engineering mission goals are given to detect the structure of the ring and its effectiveness at decaying the orbit debris. This document concludes with a summary listing of guidelines for future requirements vetting.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 25, 2014
- Accession Number
- ADA603312
Entities
People
- Michael F. Zedd
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory