Launchspace Pitches Debris Sweeper That Doubles as Satellite Tracker

space.com ^ | 04/05/2017 | Debra Werner

[BenLurkin]

Launchspace Technologies Corp. proposes sending platforms as large as football fields into low Earth orbit to sweep up space debris. The platforms also would be equipped with sensors to help U.S. government agencies detect and track orbiting satellites and debris.

Launchspace Technologies' patented plan to clean up debris calls for sending Debris Collection Units into equatorial orbit to capture debris ranging in size from 1 millimeter to five centimeters.

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To keep debris from ruining the most desirable orbits, Launchspace Technologies proposes sending Debris Collection Units with replaceable, mesh Debris Impact Pads into orbits shaped and synchronized to clean up debris as it crosses the equator, while steering clear of satellites and debris large enough to track. The plan calls for servicing vehicles, also in equatorial orbit, to move Debris Collection Units from one location to another. Eventually, the proposed constellation could include an Orbital Servicing and Remanufacturing Facility where old Debris Impact Pads could be reprocessed to create new pads or other products.

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"The population growth of small debris is unstable and will be the cause of orbital gridlock," Kaplan said, referring to the problem NASA scientist Donald Kessler highlighted in a 1978 paper. Each on-orbit collision produces debris that increases the likelihood of additional collisions. The eventual cascade would produce dangerous clouds of debris.

"By continuously removing a portion of the small debris population, flight safety and free access to space can be permanently maintained," Kaplan [Marshall Kaplan, chief technology officer for Launchspace Technologies] said. "This is a permanent system. You can't do it once and go away."

[marktwain]

Sounds good. Sell the “debris” to others in orbit as replacememt parts or raw material. It cost several thousand dollars per pound to put in orbit.