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Envisioning an Optimal Network of Space-Based Lasers for Orbital Debris RemediationThe rapid increase in resident space objects, including satellites and orbital debris, poses a significant threat to the safety and sustainability of space missions. This paper explores orbital debris remediation using a network of collaborative space-based lasers, leveraging laser ablation for momentum transfer on debris. A novel delta-v vector analysis framework quantifies the e↵ects of multiple simultaneous laser-to-debris (L2D) engagements by using vector composition of the imparted delta-v vectors. The paper introduces the Concurrent LocationScheduling Problem (CLSP), which optimizes the placement of laser platforms and the scheduling of L2D engagements to maximize debris remediation capacity. Due to the computational complexity of the CLSP, it is decomposed into two sequential subproblems: (1) optimal laser platform locations are determined using the Maximal Covering Location Problem, and (2) a novel integer linear programming-based approach schedules L2D engagements within the network configuration to maximize remediation capacity. Computational experiments are conducted to evaluate the proposed framework’s e↵ectiveness under various mission scenarios, demonstrating key network functions such as collaborative nudging, deorbiting, and just-in-time collision avoidance. A sensitivity analysis further examines how varying the number and distribution of laser platforms a↵ects debris remediation capacity, providing insights into optimizing the performance of space-based laser networks.
Document ID
20250001115
Acquisition Source
Goddard Space Flight Center
Document Type
Preprint (Draft being sent to journal)
Authors
David O Williams Rogers
(West Virginia University Morgantown, West Virginia, United States)
Matthew C Fox
(West Virginia University Morgantown, West Virginia, United States)
Paul R Stysley
(Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, United States)
Hang Woon Lee
(West Virginia University Morgantown, West Virginia, United States)
Date Acquired
January 30, 2025
Publication Date
October 25, 2024
Publication Information
Publication: Acta Astronautica
Publisher: Elsevier
ISSN: 0094-5765
e-ISSN: 1879-2030
Subject Category
Communications and Radar
Funding Number(s)
WBS: 832911.01.51.05.04
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Use by or on behalf of the US Gov. Permitted.
Technical Review
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