Low Earth Orbit Debris Removal Technology Assessment Using Genetic Algorithms

Abstract

On-orbit satellite debris is a growing problem, particularly in several specific regions of low Earth orbit. The continuous growth in the number of objects on orbit increases the likelihood of an ablation cascade, a catastrophic series of collisions initiated by the destruction of a small number of large objects on orbit. Such an event would result in debris clouds that could render many common orbits unusable. Several technologies have been proposed to address the growing debris problem using airborne, ground-based, and space-based systems. This paper evaluates and compares proposed orbital technologies for removing large, intact objects from low Earth orbit, because a collision with one of these objects could produce many small objects. To perform this comparison, software was created to develop designs for debris removal spacecraft. A genetic algorithm was employed to find the most efficient designs for orbital debris removal, with special attention given to minimizing the financial cost of such systems, and the risk they pose to infrastructure and human life in orbit and on the ground. Listings of these Pareto-optimal designs are presented. Propellantless orbital tugs and drag tethers were shown to be competitive with conventional tugs for active debris removal.