Deorbiting of space debris by using the Lorentz force along the spiral of Archimedes

Abstract

The proposals had been considered for development an analytical engineering methodology for the preliminary assessment of the impact of the space debris (SD) value object charge on the dynamics of its descent from orbit. The Earth’s magnetic field is taken as a dipole, and the charge of SD is taken as a point charge. The orbital motion of the SD is approximated by the Archimedes spiral, the choice of its parameter (spiral step) provides a close approximation to the orbital motion of the SD. The use of the proposed analytical engineering methodology allows to make reasonable design decisions on the control system and charge formation on the SD at the early stages of designing systems propellantless deorbiting. The results have a methodological nature and are intended to provide preliminary estimates.