Orbital debris removal by laser radiation

Abstract

The use of high-power lasers is suggested for removing small dangerous orbital debris up to about 10 cm in diameter. Assuming data for a most probable collision orbit and for realistic ejection speeds of debris vapor under laser irradiation, calculations show the feasibility of treating a debris object like a laser propelled rocket. The acceleration of the debris during irradiation allows to change its orbit for a direct re-entry into the atmosphere of the earth or for escape from earth's gravitational field. Only a fraction of the laser power would be needed compared to that for complete vaporization of the debris. An autonomous orbital vehicle equiped with a moderately sized laser, proper optics and the instrumentation for the acquisition and tracking of debris objects could eventually clear the whole low earth orbital environment from small debris. In a modification of this method a laser could be used on short note to divert the flight path of a piece of debris to avoid a collision. The principal of the underlying mechanism is shown in a simple experiment.