David Davy

Feasibility Analysis of Aerogels for Space Debris Removal

Started Jan. 24, 2024

Abstract or project description

The question of orbital debris has become increasingly important, especially with SpaceX’s Project Starlink and Amazon’s Project Kuiper. These two projects will drastically increase the number of cube-satellites in Low-Earth orbit, thus greatly increasing the risk of orbital collisions. As Earth orbit becomes more cluttered, the Kessler syndrome becomes more of a potential threat. I propose a potential mission for orbital debris remediation using aerogel collector satellites. Aerogels are an ultralight, synthetic, microporous solid that have already proved their versatility in capturing high-velocity meteorite particles on the Stardust mission in 1999. Aerogel’s unique microporous structure allows it to decelerate hypervelocity particles over a very short period of time. This paper will propose a potential mission for an emergency aerogel orbital debris collector that will be used when there is a rapid increase in orbital debris i.e., if two satellites collide or if there is a satellite missile test. This will be a medium length, bus-shaped spacecraft. When stored, the aerogel will be folded in a circle that, after being inserted into orbit, unfolds to form a ‘shield’ in front of the spacecraft. When there is a satellite collision in Earth Orbit, 10 of these spacecraft will be sent up using Rocket Lab’s Electron launch system. Once in orbit, the satellite will fly through the cloud of debris and capture as much debris as possible. After approximately one year, the satellite will deorbit and ‘uncontrollably’ re-enter Earth’s atmosphere.