Space debris removal using upper atmosphere
US8919702B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 27, 2013 |
| Grant date | Dec 30, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 17, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G1/242
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The systems and methods of the invention modulate atmospheric gases to temporarily increase the amount of atmospheric particles in the path of the debris, in order to decelerate the debris and accelerate natural orbital decay to the point of atmospheric re-entry. In one aspect of the invention, clearing the space debris includes propelling a plume of atmospheric gases substantially orthogonal to the path of the debris such that the debris collides with the gaseous plume as it passes through the plume. Increased atmospheric drag from the gaseous particles of the plume in the path of the debris obstructs a forward propagation of the debris and gradually decelerates the debris, leading eventually to atmospheric recapture. Embodiments of the invention can be employed in any number of applications, including without limitation, clearing debris in the low-earth orbit (LEO) which is particularly susceptible to debris build-up, de-orbiting non-refuse payloads front orbits, and clearing debris from geosynchronous orbits.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.