Pulsed COIL for space debris removal

Abstract

A new approach to space debris removal by laser is suggested using a repetitively pulsed high average power chemical oxygen iodine laser (COIL). The pulsed mode of operation which is achieved by magnetic gain switching of a CW device considerably enhances the peak-to-CW power of the laser leading to an efficient debris clearing performance as compared to previous approaches. In particular, the chemical oxygen iodine laser promises to be rather compact and to substantially reduce the total debris clearing time. The current maturity of COIL technology greatly supports the present approach.