Speaker
Description
The exponential increase of space debris in LEO poses a significant threat to both operational satellites and future space missions. The implementation of electrodynamic tether technology presents a promising solution for the active removal of space debris, contributing to the Zero Debris initiative and enhancing the sustainability of space activities. This study investigates the efficiency and operational viability of a novel, lightweight EDT system designed for small CubeSats, focusing on its ability to deorbit debris in a controlled manner without requiring onboard propulsion systems.
In the research, a 20-meter long, conductive tether made from a highly conductive, ultra-thin aluminum alloy, was developed. This tether was integrated into a standard 3U CubeSat and deployed in a series of controlled LEO orbits at altitudes ranging between 600 km and 1,000 km. The tether system harnesses the interaction with Earth's magnetic field to generate a Lorentz force, gradually lowering the satellite's orbit over time.
Results:
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Deorbiting Efficiency: The tether demonstrated a consistent decay in orbital altitude at an average rate of 2.3 km per day at 800 km altitude, effectively reducing the satellite's orbital lifetime by over 70% compared to passive decay.
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Power Consumption: The system operated with a minimal power draw, averaging 0.5 W, allowing for long-term operation without significantly impacting the CubeSat's primary mission capabilities.
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Material Durability: The tether maintained structural integrity throughout the mission, withstanding multiple micrometeoroid impacts and prolonged exposure to space weather conditions, confirming its suitability for long-term deployments.
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Electromagnetic Interference: The CubeSat’s communication and sensor systems experienced no significant interference from the tether’s operation, validating its compatibility with standard satellite systems.
This research demonstrates that electrodynamic tethers offer a viable, low-cost method for reducing space debris. Further development and deployment of this technology could significantly contribute to achieving a sustainable, debris-free orbital environment.
