Mockup Design of a Mini Space Tug for Debris Remediation in Low Earth Orbit

The space sector is constantly threatened by orbital debris, including rocket bodies and defunct satellites. In March 2022 the Space Surveillance Network (SSN) traced about 36500 pieces of space debris which was larger than 10cm. An estimation says that there are about 1000000 pieces between 1 and 1

Project Title

Mockup Design of a Mini Space Tug for Debris Remediation in Low Earth Orbit

Project Area of Specialization

Mechanical Engineering

Project Summary

The space sector is constantly threatened by orbital debris, including rocket bodies and defunct satellites. In March 2022 the Space Surveillance Network (SSN) traced about 36500 pieces of space debris which was larger than 10cm. An estimation says that there are about 1000000 pieces between 1 and 10 cm and 130 million fragments smaller than 1 cm. Therefore it is very vital to perform Active Debris Removal Missions. Our analysis reveals that out of all the available technologies for Active Debris Removal, the space tug system with a tether for towing could be the most efficient technique to eradicate the debris as it operates at a safer distance which reduces the risk of further debris production due to the collision. Moreover the light weight structure and its ability to capture debris of various shapes and at various heights makes it a best candidate for this mission. Despite its advantages space tug missions also have some challenges associated with them like the safety and reliability of the space vehicle. The secondary challenges are the timeliness and the fuel efficiency.

Project Objectives

1. Debris Remediation
2. Mission Design(Payload specific)
3. Satellite System Design(Mission Specific)
4. Satellite Concept Demonstrator build Up

Project Implementation Method

1. Satellite Mission Design will be done by Hasan Anwar Hussain
2. Satellite System Design will be done by Hassan Yousaf
3. Satellite System Modelling will be done by Muhammad Zubair

Benefits of the Project

1. Cleaning the space environment
2. Enabling Counterspace Capabilities

Technical Details of Final Deliverable

Technical Details of Space Bus

1. Mass ? 900kg
2. Volume ? 9m3
3. Linear Dimension ? 2.413m
4. Body Area ? 5.822m2

Technical Details of Mission:

1. Injection into Waiting Orbit
2. Perform Orbital Maneuvers to reach target orbit
3. Perfrom rendezvous and proximity operations
4. Dock/Capture the debris
5. Tow it to the Graveyard orbit
6. Return back to waiting/parking orbit

Final Deliverable of the Project

Hardware System

Core Industry

Security

Other Industries

Manufacturing

Core Technology

Robotics

Other Technologies

Sustainable Development Goals

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, Partnerships to achieve the Goal

Required Resources

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