Possible utilization of space debris for laser propulsion

Abstract

Laser propulsion perspectives become more realistic with the development of laser systems as well as the necessity to resolve space junk problem and to perform high specific impulse interplanetary flights. Unlike others, laser thrusters can use virtually any type of fuel by turning it into plasma; this provides great abilities for harvesting working medium in space instead of bringing it from the Earth. This and ability to reuse external laser source intensively could save a lot of money and broaden abilities for thrusterless small satellites (nano- and pico- especially) and constellations of those. For the first time, we considered several options to use space debris objects (including out-of-use satellites, rocket stages) as a fuel for spacecraft with laser thruster. We evaluated possible mass consumption, thrust, velocity and energy efficiency performance, as well as optimal laser impact regimes, demanded velocity increment and time scale for different missions. We have shown that sufficient momentum to make 1 ton low Earth orbit object burn in the atmosphere can be produced by ablation of 10 kg only. Our findings appear to be rather realistic in terms of state-of-art launchable lasers, surface scanning systems and cost effect.