Contactless space debris removal from the geostationary orbit protected region

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To verify the possibility of space debris removal by an ion beam, the problem of mission analysis for the motion of virtual configuration comprising a service spacecraft and space debris was solved. It is shown that using the state-of-the-art technologies it is possible to develop a service spacecraft equipped with a system for contactless removal of space debris based on a high-frequency ion source and a compensating electric propulsion system comprising a pair of stationary plasma thrusters. Such a system could provide removal of up to ten space debris from the protected area of the geostationary orbit to disposal orbits.