Universal Rocket Space Engine and solving the problem of space debris

Abstract

The total mass of only large fragments of space debris in low-earth orbits(LEO) exceeds 7,500 tons. The well-known concepts of solving the problem of space debris are considered. An approach to space debris as a valuable resource is formulated. It is proposed to use space debris as a propellant for the Universal Rocket Space Engine (URSE). The engine should consist of a thermal rocket engine in conjunction with accelerator – railgun, for example. The steam generated during the evaporation of space debris speeds accelerates to 10 – 50 km/s in this scheme. Power supply of the engine is planned to be implemented by solar energy or a nuclear power plant. When particles of debris passing through a high-temperature evaporator, it turns into steam. Then the steam passes into the nozzle, where the railgun is located. After railgun, the accelerating plasma expires in space. There are three methods to obtain high-temperature vapor in the evaporator: solar furnace (direct heating), electric arc heating or ion sputtering technology. The project is proposed to be divided into several stages, each characterized by the use of various technical solutions. URSE will allow using not only space debris, but also materials of small celestial bodies as fuel for space flights within the solar system. This will make it possible to radically change the schemes of space flight, since restrictions on the mass of fuel using the URSE are removed. For example, during flying from Mars to Earth, the material of the Martian satellites of Phobos and Deimos can be used as a propellant.