Plasma Thruster Technology Helps in Removing Space Debris
Some debris was launched into space over a period of decades, and the Earth is surrounded by it. Space debris is like space junk which can cause damage and multiply the debris. This junk needs to be removed, but the process of removal is not that easy. Human space activities will no longer be possible if the space environment is not clean of the debris.
A lot of methods were proposed in order to de-orbit the debris or remove is. They are either contactless methods which use laser or contact methods which use tether net and other materials. What we know is that the contactless methods are safer.
Another contactless method would be the usage of the ion beam shepherd which uses a plasma beam which gets ejected from the satellite aiming to impart the debris with a force so it would fall to a lower altitude and burning up when it enters the atmosphere of the Earth.
Two propulsion systems will be needed in order to effectively and safely remove debris, and those will be mounted on the satellite. However, the satellite will need to be smaller and lighter as well.
A new method needs only one propulsion system, and it was developed by an Australian and Japanese research group. The method was tested in a laboratory, and it seems like it is the best working so far and it does not involve such risks.
The system the team of researchers is using includes a single plasma thruster which can be used for three tasks such as the debris removal, the acceleration of the satellite and for its deceleration as well.
Hopefully, the method will be technically developed and end up on being used to the human space adventures will continue.
A new removal technology for the space debris
Some debris was launched into space over a period of decades, and the Earth is surrounded by it. Space debris is like space junk which can cause damage and multiply the debris. This junk needs to be removed, but the process of removal is not that easy. Human space activities will no longer be possible if the space environment is not clean of the debris.
A lot of methods were proposed in order to de-orbit the debris or remove is. They are either contactless methods which use laser or contact methods which use tether net and other materials. What we know is that the contactless methods are safer.
Another contactless method would be the usage of the ion beam shepherd which uses a plasma beam which gets ejected from the satellite aiming to impart the debris with a force so it would fall to a lower altitude and burning up when it enters the atmosphere of the Earth.
Two propulsion systems will be needed in order to effectively and safely remove debris, and those will be mounted on the satellite. However, the satellite will need to be smaller and lighter as well.
A new method needs only one propulsion system, and it was developed by an Australian and Japanese research group. The method was tested in a laboratory, and it seems like it is the best working so far and it does not involve such risks.
The system the team of researchers is using includes a single plasma thruster which can be used for three tasks such as the debris removal, the acceleration of the satellite and for its deceleration as well.
Hopefully, the method will be technically developed and end up on being used to the human space adventures will continue.
As our second lead editor, Anna C. Mackinno provides guidance on the stories Great Lakes Ledger reporters cover. She has been instrumental in making sure the content on the site is clear and accurate for our readers. If you see a particularly clever title, you can likely thank Anna. Anna received a BA and and MA from Fordham University.
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