Space debris removal using high-power ground-based laser

David K. Monroe

doi:10.1117/12.174192

1 May 1994 Space debris removal using high-power ground-based laser

David K. Monroe

Proceedings Volume 2121, Laser Power Beaming; (1994) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.174192
Event: OE/LASE '94, 1994, Los Angeles, CA, United States

Abstract

The feasibility and practicality of using a ground-based laser (GBL) to remove artificial space debris is examined. Physical constraints indicate that a reactor-pumped laser (RPL) may be best suited for this mission, because of its capabilities for multimegawatt output, long run- times, and near-diffraction-limited initial beams. Simulations of a laser-powered debris removal system indicate that a 5-MW RPL with a 10-meter-diameter beam director and adaptive optics capabilities can deorbit 1-kg debris from space station altitudes. Larger debris can be deorbited or transferred to safer orbits after multiple laser engagements. A ground- based laser system may be the only realistic way to access and remove some 10,000 separate objects, having velocities in the neighborhood of 7 km/sec, and being spatially distributed over some 10¹⁰ km³ of space.

Citation Download Citation

David K. Monroe "Space debris removal using high-power ground-based laser", Proc. SPIE 2121, Laser Power Beaming, (1 May 1994); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.174192

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available