Allowable Initial Relative Velocity of a Net to Contact and Capture Space Debris

Abstract

The escalating presence of space debris is becoming increasingly problematic due to the ensuing potential of damage to active spacecraft if a collision were to occur. The tether net has emerged as a possible solution for the capture of such debris. Although extensive studies have been conducted on the net's performance, the influence of initial debris velocity and net ejection on the tether net's interaction with and capture of debris has not been confirmed. The primary aim of this study is to investigate the net's behavior when it interacts with space debris moving at a range of velocities. The objective is to ascertain the permissible initial relative speed of the net necessary to facilitate successful contact and subsequent capture of the debris. This determination takes into account the initial velocities of both the ejection of the net and the debris. The results reveal that successful interaction between the net and the debris is influenced by several variables. These include the initial velocity of the debris relative to the net ejection system, the furthest distance from the net to the ejection system when the net commences contraction, the speed at which the net is ejected, and the direction of debris motion.