2 - Space debris problem

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of the space debris problem and various aspects of dealing with it. It touches upon the questions of the review of the current state and modeling of the development of the environment of the near-Earth space. The main directions of activities to combat space debris are outlined, including legal aspects, space debris parameters estimation, postmission disposal, active space debris removal, and just-in-time collision avoidance. The issue of choosing the most dangerous large space debris objects is considered. An overview of various methods of docking and capturing space debris, as well as methods for their subsequent transportation, is given. Particular attention is paid to contactless transportation methods, based on ion beam blown, electrostatic, gravitational, and electromagnetic interaction, and laser influence.