The Passive Aerogel Satellite System
In the two images shown, you can see the number of objects added after just one collision with an Iridium. Also shown, you can see a majority of space debris is located between the ISS at 200 km to around 1100 km.
The Kessler Effect, proposed by NASA scientist Donald J. Kessler in 1978, is a scenario in which the density of objects in low Earth orbit (LEO) is high enough that collisions between objects could cause a cascade in which each collision generates space debris that increases the likelihood of further collisions. Every satellite, space probe, and crewed mission has the potential to produce space debris. It is estimated that there are more than 800,000 pieces of space junk ranging from 1 cm to 10 cm, and on average one satellite is destroyed each year. This range is particularly dangerous because its large enough to track, but not small enough for current satellite shielding to be effective.
Since October 4, 1957 with the launch of Sputnik by the USSR, humanity has been utilizing space for a variety of needs. GPS, satellite T.V & and Internet, Google Earth, mobile data, cell signal and much more are reliant on these systems to work properly. satellites in Earth orbit are extremely important to almost every aspect of our lives now.
Unfortunately we are very bad at cleaning up after ourselves. With each launch into space, more and more debris is left in orbit and unlike garbage back on Earth, this garbage can be deadly and extremely costly.
From shards of metal, screws, & paint flakes to entire rocket bodies left in orbit, all these objects are moving at more than 17,448 mph.
The Problem
Many solutions have be proposed and tested to remove space debris. From nets to laser. Even harpoons have been suggested, but after looking thru a list of patents even remotely like this satellite system, i can safely say this is a one-of-a-kind design and function.
The Passive Aerogel Satellite System was design to track, intercept, and capture debris from a few cm to over a foot (.3 meters) in size. Inspired by NASA Stardust mission in 1999, PASS will use aerogel to intercept and capture fragmentation debris in Earth orbit.
(Older render) Solar panel design has changed
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The satellite will perform of series of retrograde burns, slowing down its overall speed but accelerating the relative velocity of the current target.
At a more detailed level: After closing the gap to around 1.5 km from the object, a retrograde burn will occur, increasing the approaching relative velocity of the object to 71 m/s (158 mph).
These speeds should be sufficient enough for debris to penetrate and become trapped within the aerogel. Naturalizing the threat permanently when the satellite reaches end of service and disintegrates in the atmosphere.
An Autonomous non-geostationary Satellite System, also known as the Passive Aerogel Satellite System “PASS”, is a satellite system designed to clear the space around the Earth of fragmentation debris (frag debris) and secure the safety of future missions into Earth orbit and beyond. Each PASS will be able to be deployed on its own or in groups (constellations), with future iterations possibly able to protect spacecraft, stations, and rockets directly.
PASS will purposely intercept and capture frag debris from as small screws and paint flakes to decently size metals and trash.
The central drum will have a solid piece of an aerogel material placed inside. The targeted debris will collide with the areogel at a velocity sufficient enough to penetrate the material and become stuck.
The aerogel will be able to collect several pieces of debris at a time before reaching capacity. Once full capacity has been reached, the satellite will retrograde and de-orbit itself into Earth's atmosphere.
Using relative velocity to its advantage, each satellite will be able to capture many tens, if not hundreds of smaller space debris before reaching end of service.
A Solution
Power for each satellite will be provided by a set of dual solar panels on either side of the satellite. Although not determined yet, either an ion engine or extremely efficient propellant engine will be used as each satellite main engine which will be placed at the back behind the protective layer of aerogel and shielding.
As well, the satellite will have RCS thrusters equipped for X,Y,Z axis translations and reaction wheels.
A PASS satellite will initially be launched into a planned orbit. Once stable, PASS will immediately identify nearby frag debris using onboard radar and information sent from ground based databases. It will determine its speed, size, and predicted orbit and depending on these variables, PASS will identify the best candidate for interception. This illustration is using a scenario to intercept object: 1993-036BME. A satellite should be able to successfully intercept debris from 1cm-30cm in size.
Capture Method
Phase One: Detection
Once the satellite has locked to a target, it will safely change its orbit with RCS and main engine burns for an orbital insertion as seen in the following two illustrations. The purpose for the insertion is for the satellite to have the same orbit as its intended target. Once in the proper orbit, the satellite will slowly start closing the gap between it and the target (1993-036BME).
Phase Two: Insertion
Phase Three: RCS flip and reorientation
PASS will also perform a flip with its RCS thrusters or reaction wheel controls to the required orientation so that the aerogel drum is facing the approaching debris. Onboard computers will make the required adjustment to to keep the debris within its safety parameters during approach.
It should be noted that during this burn PASS will keep updating its system for possible alerts. If an object is detected on a collision course with PASS during the burn, the satellite will abort the current mission and possibly switch to the incoming danger. (only if the object in question is debris and within size range)
Phase Four: Approach Burns
Phase Five: Maneuver burns & Reorientation
After a successful capture, the satellite will perform any necessary burns to correct its orbit to avoid collisions. Once in a safe orbit it will then begin to search for more objects and repeat the process.
*note: I am not an artist
Contact Information
Email: satpass2019@gmail.com
If you would like to do business and begin to make this solution a reality, please contact me
End of Service
Each satellite will enter into an End of Service Protocol if:
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The satellite is to damaged to perform its job safely
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The aerogel layer is at full capacity
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No longer needed
Once any of those conditions are met, the satellite would be able to send down to ground stations a mission report to be filed. The satellite will then commence a series of burns until its orbit dips it safely into Earth's atmosphere to be destroyed.
If the computer is unable to perform this, it can be manually de-orbited from the ground.