Space debris removal – Review of technologies and techniques. Flexible or virtual connection between space debris and service spacecraft

Abstract

The term “space debris” refers to spacecraft not removed from orbit at the end of their service life, upper stages in the geostationary orbit region, as well as to the fragments of spacecraft and upper stages formed as a result of deliberate or accidental collision of spacecraft and upper stages with each other or with natural space debris.The problem of removing space debris from outer space is a global problem. Many countries are realizing projects on space debris cataloging, various technical means are being studied for space debris removal into graveyard orbits with parameters agreed upon by the international community. Various countries conducting space exploration have adopted special standards and guidelines for preventing the space debris formation [1,2,3,4].The report [5] emphasizes that contamination of the near-Earth space is growing steadily. The probability of spacecraft collisions with each other is significantly increasing. This can lead to the functioning spacecraft characteristics degradation and even to complete loss of performance.The article presents a brief overview of the methods and techniques that can be used to space debris removal into disposal orbits using flexible or virtual connection between space debris and service spacecraft.