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A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Aerospace Science and Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 May 2023) | Viewed by 22265

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Lorenzo Olivieri

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Guest Editor

CISAS “G. Colombo”, University of Padova, Via Venezia 1, 35131 Padova, Italy
Interests: space debris; small satellites; active debris removal; docking

Prof. Dr. Kanjuro Makihara

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Guest Editor

Depart of Aerospace Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8579, Japan
Interests: space debris impact; tether system; electrodynamic tether; removal method

Dr. Leonardo Barilaro

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Aviation, The Malta College of Arts, Science & Technology, Paola, Malta
Interests: light–gas gun; hypervelocity impacts; space debris

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Space debris represents a risk for current and future missions in Earth orbit. Debris impacts may cause damages to space vehicles up to the point of loss of functionality of the entire spacecraft. The debris environment therefore requires continuous monitoring and regulation strategies, which should be coordinated among all stakeholders to avoid any further deterioration.

This Special Issue aims to present recent advances in research on space debris to improve the safety of the near-Earth orbits and mitigate the risks related to debris impacts. Topics of interest include but are not limited to hypervelocity impact modeling and testing; spacecraft vulnerability analysis and protection design and development; debris observation and environmental modeling; fragmentation event simulation, analysis, and observation; re-entry technologies and life-extension systems; active debris removal concepts, missions, and in-orbit demonstrations; sensors and systems for disposal; and space traffic management.

Dr. Lorenzo Olivieri
Prof. Dr. Kanjuro Makihara
Dr. Leonardo Barilaro
Guest Editors

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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Editorial

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3 pages, 140 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Editorial for Special Issue: Recent Advances in Space Debris

by Lorenzo Olivieri, Kanjuro Makihara and Leonardo Barilaro

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(3), 954; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14030954 - 23 Jan 2024

Viewed by 1531

Abstract

The near-Earth space debris environment represents an existing hazard for human activities in space [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Space Debris)

Research

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14 pages, 3114 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Improved Range-Searching Initial Orbit-Determination Method and Correlation of Optical Observations for Space Debris

by Xiangxu Lei, Shengfu Xia, Hongkang Liu, Xiaozhen Wang, Zhenwei Li, Baomin Han, Jizhang Sang, You Zhao and Hao Luo

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(24), 13224; https://doi.org/10.3390/app132413224 - 13 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1385

Abstract

The Changchun Observatory of the National Astronomical Observatories, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the Shanghai Astronomical Observatory are used to generate very short arc (VSA) angle observations of objects in low Earth orbit (LEO) and geostationary orbit (GEO) with their ground-based electrical–optical telescope arrays (EA), the Changchun EA and SAO FocusGEO, respectively. These observations are used in this paper. The range-searching (RS) algorithm for initial orbit determination (IOD) is improved through the multiple combinations of observations and the dynamic range-searching step length. Two different computation modes (the normal mode and the refining mode) of the IOD computation process are proposed. The geometrical method for the association is used. The IOD and association methods are extended to the real optical observations for both LEO and GEO objects. The results show that the IOD success rate of arcs from the LEO objects is about 91%, the error of the semimajor axis (SMA) of the initial orbital elements is less than 50 km, and the correlation accuracy rate is about 89%. The IOD success rate of arcs from the GEO objects is higher than 88%, and the correlation accuracy rate is greater than 87%. The recent COSMOS 1408 antisatellite test (ASAT) generated a large amount of debris. The algorithm of this paper and the observations of Changchun EA are used to initially identify new debris, possibly from the ASAT through initial orbit determination and track association. Finally, 64 suspected new pieces of debris can be found. The results show the effectiveness of the IOD and the correlation algorithm, as well as the potential application of the optical–electrical array in studying space events. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Space Debris)

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26 pages, 7764 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hybrid-Compliant System for Soft Capture of Uncooperative Space Debris

by Maxime Hubert Delisle, Olga-Orsalia Christidi-Loumpasefski, Barış C. Yalçın, Xiao Li, Miguel Olivares-Mendez and Carol Martinez

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(13), 7968; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13137968 - 7 Jul 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2068

Abstract

Active debris removal (ADR) is positioned by space agencies as an in-orbit task of great importance for stabilizing the exponential growth of space debris. Most of the already developed capturing systems are designed for large specific cooperative satellites, which leads to expensive one-to-one solutions. This paper proposed a versatile hybrid-compliant mechanism to target a vast range of small uncooperative space debris in low Earth orbit (LEO), enabling a profitable one-to-many solution. The system is custom-built to fit into a CubeSat. It incorporates active (with linear actuators and impedance controller) and passive (with revolute joints) compliance to dissipate the impact energy, ensure sufficient contact time, and successfully help capture a broader range of space debris. A simulation study was conducted to evaluate and validate the necessity of integrating hybrid compliance into the ADR system. This study found the relationships among the debris mass, the system’s stiffness, and the contact time and provided the required data for tuning the impedance controller (IC) gains. This study also demonstrated the importance of hybrid compliance to guarantee the safe and reliable capture of a broader range of space debris. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Space Debris)

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11 pages, 14299 KiB

Open AccessArticle

De-Orbit Maneuver Demonstration Results of Micro-Satellite ALE-1 with a Separable Drag Sail

by Kohei Takeda, Toshinori Kuwahara, Takumi Saito, Shinya Fujita, Yoshihiko Shibuya, Hiromune Ishii, Lena Okajima and Tetsuya Kaneko

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(13), 7737; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13137737 - 30 Jun 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1676

Abstract

ALE-1, a micro-satellite created for the demonstration of artificial shooting stars, required orbital descent before mission execution due to safety aspects in orbit. ALE-1 utilized a drag sail called SDOM (Separable De-Orbit Mechanism) for a passive de-orbit maneuver, which was successfully completed, lowering the orbit from about 500 km down to about 400 km. This paper summarizes the detailed history of satellite operation and the results of the de-orbit maneuver demonstration during the past three years. Although the SDOM sail faced difficulty in keeping the desired deployed shape of the drag sail due to mechanical troubles, by letting the sail be a drag flag instead, it could still deliver a meaningful de-orbit performance to allow the satellite to successfully lower the orbit as planned. The de-orbit effect of the drag flag was evaluated using comparisons between orbit propagation simulations and the actual orbit transition flight data provided in the form of TLE (Two-Line Element) sets. Through this study, it is demonstrated that the SDOM can provide orbit transfer capabilities for satellites. Furthermore, the de-orbit performance of the drag flag can be evaluated, which could be an important reference for the future implementation of de-orbit devices to solve space debris problems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Space Debris)

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14 pages, 5470 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Design of the Sabot-Stopping System for a Single-Stage Light-Gas Gun for High-Velocity Impacts

by Leonardo Barilaro, Mark Wylie and Theeba Shafeeg

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(13), 7664; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13137664 - 28 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1645

Abstract

Collisions of space debris and micrometeorites with spacecraft represent an existential hazard for human activities in near-Earth orbits. Currently, guidelines, policies, and best practices are encouraged to help mitigate further propagation of this space debris field from redundant spacecraft and satellites. However, the existing space debris field is an environment that still poses a great threat and requires the design of contingency and fail-safe systems for new spacecraft. In this context, both the monitoring and tracking of space debris impact paths, along with knowledge of spacecraft design features that can withstand such impacts, are essential. Regarding the latter, terrestrial test facilities allow for replicating of space debris collisions in a safe and controlled laboratory environment. In particular, light-gas guns allow launching impactors at speeds in the high-velocity and hypervelocity ranges. The data acquired from these tests can be employed to validate in-orbit observations and structural simulations and to verify spacecraft components’ survivability. Typically, projectiles are launched and protected using a sabot system. This assembly, known as a launch package, is fired towards a sabot-stopping system. The sabot separates from the rest of the launch package, to avoid target contamination, and allows the projectile to travel towards the target through an opening in the assembly. The response and survivability of the sabot-stopping system, along with the transmission of the forces to the light-gas gun structure and prevention of target contamination, is an important design feature of these test apparatuses. In the framework of the development of Malta’s first high-velocity impact facility, particular attention was dedicated to this topic: in this paper, the description of a novel sabot-stopping system is provided. The system described in this research is mechanically decoupled from the interaction with the impact chamber and the light-gas gun pump tube; this solution avoids damage in case of failures and allows easier operations during the pre- and post-test phases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Space Debris)

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22 pages, 9156 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Numerical Modelling of High-Speed Loading of Periodic Interpenetrating Heterogeneous Media with Adapted Mesostructure

by Alexander Kraus, Andrey Buzyurkin, Ivan Shabalin and Evgeny Kraus

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(12), 7187; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13127187 - 15 Jun 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1077

Abstract

A series of calculations has been conducted to study the high-speed interaction of space debris (SD) particles with screens of finite thickness. For the first time, taking into account the fracture effects, a numerical solution has been obtained for the problem of high-velocity interaction between SD particles and a volumetrically reinforced penetrating composite screen. The calculations were performed using the REACTOR 3D software package in a three-dimensional setup. To calibrate the material properties of homogeneous screens made of aluminum alloy A356, stainless steel 316L, and multilayer screens, methodical load calculations were carried out. The properties of materials have been verified based on experimental data through systematic calculations of the load on homogeneous screens made of aluminum alloy A356, stainless steel 316L, and multilayer screens comprising a combination of aluminum and steel plates. Several options for the numerical design of heterogeneous screens based on A356 and 316L were considered, including interpenetrating reinforcement with steel inclusions and a gradient distribution of steel throughout the thickness of an aluminum matrix. The study has revealed that the screens constructed as a two-layer composite of A356/316L, volumetrically reinforced composite screens, and heterogeneous screens with a direct gradient distribution of steel in the aluminum matrix provide protection for devices from both a single SD particle and streams of SD particles moving at speeds of up to 6 km/s. SD particles were modeled as spherical particles with a diameter of 1.9 mm made of the aluminum alloy Al2017-T4 with a mass of 10 mg. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Space Debris)

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17 pages, 4186 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Efficient Space Debris Observation Method Based on Optical Satellite Constellations

by Gongqiang Li, Jing Liu, Hai Jiang and Chengzhi Liu

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(7), 4127; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13074127 - 24 Mar 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2772

Abstract

The increasing amount of space debris poses a major threat to the security of space assets. The timely acquisition of space debris orbital data through observations is essential. We established a mathematical model of optical satellite constellations for space debris observation, designed a high-quality constellation configuration, and designed a space debris tracking observation scheduling algorithm. These tools can realize the efficient networking of space debris from a large number of optical satellite observation facilities. We designed a constellation consisting of more than 20 low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, mainly dedicated to the observation of LEO space objects. According to the observation scheduling method, the satellite constellation can track and observe more than 93% of the targets every day, increase the frequency of orbital data updates, and provide support for the realization of orbital space debris cataloguing. Designing optical satellite constellations to observe space debris can help realize the advance perception of dangerous collisions, timely detect dangerous space events, make key observations about high-risk targets, greatly reduce the false alarm rate of collisions, and provide observational data support for space collisions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Space Debris)

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21 pages, 10938 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Non-Cooperative Spacecraft Pose Measurement with Binocular Camera and TOF Camera Collaboration

by Liang Hu, Dianqi Sun, Huixian Duan, An Shu, Shanshan Zhou and Haodong Pei

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(3), 1420; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13031420 - 20 Jan 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1819

Abstract

Non-cooperative spacecraft pose acquisition is a challenge in on-orbit service (OOS), especially for targets with unknown structures. A method for the pose measurement of non-cooperative spacecrafts based on the collaboration of binocular and time-of-flight (TOF) cameras is proposed in this study. The joint calibration is carried out to obtain the transformation matrix from the left camera coordinate system to the TOF camera system. The initial pose acquisition is mainly divided into feature point association and relative motion estimation. The initial value and key point information generated in stereo vision are yielded to refine iterative closest point (ICP) frame-to-frame registration. The final pose of the non-cooperative spacecraft is determined through eliminating the cumulative error based on the keyframes in the point cloud process. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method is able to track the target spacecraft during aerospace missions, which may provide a certain reference value for navigation systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Space Debris)

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11 pages, 3297 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Extending the NNO Ballistic Limit Equation to Foam-Filled Dual-Wall Systems

by William P. Schonberg

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(2), 800; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13020800 - 6 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1256

Abstract

A key component in the quantitative assessment of the risk posed to spacecraft by the micrometeoroid and orbital debris (MMOD) environment is frequently referred to as a ballistic limit equation (BLE). A frequently used BLE for dual-wall configurations (which are commonly used on spacecraft to protect them against the MMOD environment) is the New Non-Optimum, or “NNO”, BLE. In design applications where a BLE is needed for a new structural system that has not yet been tested, but resembles to a fair degree a dual-wall system, it is common practice to equivalence the materials, thicknesses, etc., of the new system to the materials, thicknesses, etc., of a dual-wall system. In this manner, the NNO BLE can be used to estimate the failure / non-failure response characteristics for the new system. One such structural wall system for which a BLE does not yet exist is a dual-wall system that is stuffed with a lightweight polymer-based foam material. In this paper we demonstrate that the NNO BLE, in its original form, frequently over- or under-predicts the response of such a system. However, when the NNO BLE is modified to more properly include the effects of the presence of the foam as well as the actual material properties of the walls and the impacting projectile, there is a marked improvement in its predictive abilities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Space Debris)

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40 pages, 10100 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison between Different Re-Entry Technologies for Debris Mitigation in LEO

by Francesco Barato

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(19), 9961; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12199961 - 3 Oct 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2714

Abstract

The population of satellites in Low Earth Orbit is predicted to growth exponentially in the next decade due to the proliferation of small-sat constellations. Consequently, the probability of collision is expected to increase dramatically, possibly leading to a potential Kessler syndrome situation. It is therefore necessary to strengthen all the technologies required for collision avoidance and end-of-life disposal of new satellites, together with active debris removal of current and potential future dead satellites. Both situations require the lowering of the altitude of a satellite up to re-entry. In this paper several de-orbiting technologies are evaluated: natural decay, chemical propulsion (solid and liquid), electric propulsion, drag sail, electrodynamic tether, and combinations of the previous ones. The comparison considers the initial altitude, system mass, de-orbiting time, collision probability during descent, reliability, and technological limits. Differences between active debris removal and satellite end-of-life self-disposal are taken into account. Moreover, the different types of re-entry, controlled vs. non-controlled, expendable vs. reusable system, demisable vs. non-demisable system are also discussed. Finally, the possibility to operate the satellite in Very Low Earth Orbits with a propulsion system for drag compensation and passive re-entry at end of life is investigated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Space Debris)

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Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

16 pages, 8193 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Research at the University of Padova in the Field of Space Debris Impacts against Satellites: An Overview of Activities in the Last 10 Years

by Lorenzo Olivieri, Cinzia Giacomuzzo, Stefano Lopresti and Alessandro Francesconi

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(6), 3874; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13063874 - 18 Mar 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2234

Abstract

Space debris represent a threat to satellites in orbit around Earth. In the case of impact, satellites can be subjected to damage spanning from localized craterization to subsystem failure, to complete loss of the vehicle; large collision events may lead to fragmentation of the spacecraft. Simulating and testing debris impacts may help in understanding the physics behind these events, modelling the effects, and developing dedicated protection systems and mitigation strategies. In this context, the Space Debris group at the University of Padova investigates in-space collisions with experimental campaigns performed in a dedicated Hypervelocity Impact Facility and with numerical simulations with commercial and custom software. In this paper, an overview is given of the last 10 years of research activities performed at the University of Padova. First, the hypervelocity impact testing facility is described and the main experimental campaigns performed in the last few years are summarized. The second part of this work describes impact modelling research advances, focusing on the simulation of complex collision scenarios. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Space Debris)

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