Trajectory simulation of space debris based on laser ablation impulse coupling effect

Abstract

When a pulsed laser ablates the target, the impulse will be imparted to the target due to the ejection of the ablating material. This is called laser ablation impulse coupling effect. The effect can be used in the space debris controlling when it is going to collide with an operational satellite. The analytical model of calculating laser ablation coupling coefficient is given. The result is used as the input value to our assumed simulation, which is that an operational satellite is going to collide with the space debris. The results show that laser can effectively alter the trajectory of space debris.