| Plasma Space Debris Removal System – NIRCSAT-X |
| Paper ID : 1048-ICRSSSA-FULL |
| Authors |
|
GASSER ABDELAL *1, yasser Mahmoudi2, Sean Mcloone3, Adrian Murphy4 1School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Queen's University Belfast, UK 2Department of Mechanical, Aerospace & Civil Engineering, The University of Manchester, UK. 3School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science – Queen’s University Belfast – Northern Ireland – UK 4School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Queen’s University Belfast (QUB), UK |
| Abstract |
| Space debris is a growing problem for low earth orbit (LEO) and geosynchronous orbit (GEO). The risk of space debris currently affects human activities in space and is controlled by the collision avoidance alert. Yet, the risk is growing, which increases future space mission costs to avoid or shield against space debris impact. The NIRCSAT-X project investigates the use of a novel satellite for space debris removal. A satellite that can annihilate space debris on-site without needing a collection system and later earth re-entry for disposing of them. In this paper, two NIRCSAT-X candidates will be presented, and a feasibility study using COMSOL Multiphysics will be performed. The NIRCSAT-X project aims to develop the idea for TRL-3 or TRL-4 on the technology level. The project aims at a continuous space debris cleaning system. NIRCSAT-X will investigate the development of three subsystems; the mechanical & thermal design of the novel design, the automatic control subsystem equipment and software required, and the electric propulsion subsystem design. Dissemination and exploitation measures are paramount to the NIRCSAT-X to maximize its impact and trigger effects across the entire range of targeted stakeholders, potential users and communities. The conveyance of new knowledge into the engineering education base provided by the UK Mechanical Engineering Schools to meet the evolving skill needs of the aeronautics and other industrial sectors. |
| Keywords |
| Space debris - Multiphyscis - Satellite - Finite Element |
| Status: Accepted (Oral Presentation) |
