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Propulsion

  • Thrusters generate 80 mN of thrust, meeting mission requirements
  • Thrusters powered by compressed air provide control authority

Satellite to Capture and Deorbit Space Debris

Team Garbage Neutralization Crew (G.N.C.) : Daniel Cohen, Nick Ess, Jonathan Lloyd, Steven Zhao

Mentored by Dr. Patrick Rodi and Dr. David Trevas, Rice MECH

Unique Project Capabilities

Avionics

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Space Debris:�An Exponential Problem

The team has developed a low-cost solution comprised of:

  • Spacecraft capable of maneuvering to the orbital debris
  • Capture system demonstrator capable of catching debris
  • Hardware and software tools for testing on Earth

A Multi-Part Solution

The rise of private space companies has produced significant amounts of orbital debris, presenting a major risk to crewed space missions and vital satellite infrastructure.

There is no existing solution for disposing of orbital debris.

Dynamical simulation predicts physical mission performance

Capture system able to secure debris up to 4 ft2

Ability to test 3-axis rotational attitude control on Earth

Vehicle

Capture System

Using Simulation to Refine Design

Mission Plan

  • Custom-built spacecraft simulation incorporates physical parameters to test control algorithms and inform system requirements
  • Simulation facilitated development of control algorithms in parallel to hardware manufacturing, drastically accelerating design timeline

Deployment

Launch

Deorbit

Capture

Inspection

Rendezvous

Time (seconds)

Pitch Angle (deg)

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2

3

Performing first maneuver leads to unwanted rotation

Correct angular position back to target value

Perform second maneuver to desired target position

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2

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Custom fitting expands net to ensnare backpack-sized debris

Project focuses on phases in green

  • 9-Axis sensor suite tracks angular position and angular velocity
  • Raspberry Pi flight computer runs control algorithm to fire thrusters

34,000 Objects > 10 cm around Earth

Large tubing stores propellant before firing

Simulation Output of a Mission Maneuver

Pressurized Air-Powered Net Launcher

Simple design, easy to adjust for mission

Scalable for many sizes of debris

Uses compressed air, same as thrusters

Test Stand

  • 3-Axis gimbal test stand allows for testing of orientation control
  • Modular design allows for satellites of varying sizes to be tested

Structure

  • Internal structure consolidates mass, improving performance
  • Adjustable counterweights provide control of vehicle’s center of mass