Concept-of-operations disposal analysis of spacecraft by gossamer structure

Macdonald, Malcolm and McInnes, Colin and Bewick, Charlotte and Visagie, Lourens and Lappas, Vaios and Erb, Sven (2015) Concept-of-operations disposal analysis of spacecraft by gossamer structure. Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets. pp. 517-525. ISSN 0022-4650

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    Abstract

    A gossamer structure for end-of-life disposal of spacecraft to mitigate space debris is considered in comparison with other end-of-life disposal concepts to determine when it would be preferable. A needs analysis, potential use cases, and concept-of-operations are developed. A survey of disposal strategies is presented for comparison prior to a down-selection of viable competing techniques; solar sailing, high and low-thrust propulsion, and electrodynamic tethers. A parametric comparison of the down-selection competing techniques is presented. Exploiting solar radiation pressure on the structure is of limited value. Atmospheric drag augmentation was found to be of most benefit for end-of-life disposal when an entirely passive means is required, allowing the gossamer device to act as a ‘fail-safe’. This is applicable to only low and medium mass spacecraft, or spacecraft that are unlikely to survive atmospheric re-entry, hence minimizing risk to human life. It does not significantly alter the operating ceiling altitude but does the maximum allowable end-of-life mass. Peak mass benefit occurs in the altitude range 550 – 650 km and is largely independent of de-orbit time.

    Creators(s): Macdonald, Malcolm ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4499-4281, McInnes, Colin, Bewick, Charlotte, Visagie, Lourens, Lappas, Vaios and Erb, Sven;
    Item type:Article
    ID code:50011
    Notes:Copyright © 2014 by Malcolm Macdonald. Published by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Inc., with permission.
    Keywords:end-of-life disposal, gossamer spacecraft, space debris removel missions, concept-of-operation, analysis, Mechanical engineering and machinery, Motor vehicles. Aeronautics. Astronautics, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Control and Systems Engineering
    Subjects:Technology > Mechanical engineering and machinery
    Technology > Motor vehicles. Aeronautics. Astronautics
    Department:Faculty of Engineering > Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
    Technology and Innovation Centre > Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing
    Depositing user: Pure Administrator
    Date deposited:24 Oct 2014 09:36
    Last modified:19 Oct 2020 02:53
    Related URLs:
    URI:https://strathprints.strath.ac.uk/id/eprint/50011
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