Laser based Active Debris Removal Technology for ENVISAT

The 21^st century is marked by the unprecedented progress of human knowledge in space, quantum mechanics, and machine learning. This progress has in turn lead to a significant increase in satellite launches, with various organizations developing mega-constellations in space to provide new business opportunities. While current predictions estimate that space in Low Earth Orbit will be overcrowded in the future, and sustainability of space will become a critical question as the estimated traffic of 89,000 satellites will be launched by the year 2035. To allow sustainable development of space, especially in Low Earth Orbit, there is a need to develop accurate traffic management and active debris removal mission planning. Lately, several organizations proposed and completed space demonstration experiments for debris removal. Current their designs are part of an ongoing project to develop contact-based debris removal technology. However, this technology poses several problems for satellite removal. We propose a complementary method based on a laser system. The laser is capable to operate from a safe distance by stopping the continuous rotation (detumbling) of space objects. In this paper, we present a case study using the ENVISAT satellite. ENVISAT is an 8,211 kg satellite, launched by European Space Agency. Since 2012, communication has stopped, and it is no longer operational. It is predicted to self-deorbit in the next 150 years. However, the orbital simulation of existing objects found two cataloged space debris which will pass within 200 m., resulting in a close approach every year. The elevated mass of the satellite and the number of close approaches, therefore, pose a considerable threat, leading to the production of debris. SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation is working jointly with Japanese institutions to collaboratively develop laser satellites to stop detumbling and the careful removal of debris. The demonstration mission will be launched by the year 2026-2027. With this case study, a laser-based contactless method can be practiced for removing mega debris like ENVISAT from the Low Earth Orbit.