Space sustainability via flexible controlled expandable net for multiple irregular debris removal

Abstract

Space debris presents a growing and multifaceted challenge to satellites in Low Earth Orbit, threatening the sustainability and safety of orbital operations. This paper proposes an Multiple Space Debris Capture (MSDC) system for the removal of multiple irregular debris in a single mission using a novel flexible net robot. This active debris removal system employing an actuator-equipped expandable net to sequentially capture multiple space debris objects during a single mission, followed by their collective orbital transfer and controlled deorbiting. A comprehensive mathematical model is developed to characterize the dynamics of both the flexible net and the irregular debris. An active control strategy using eight actuators is introduced to guide the net along desired trajectories, mitigate deformations, and enable reopening. Through simulation, the proposed approach is validated for stability, reliability, and effectiveness, with four capture criteria established to quantitatively evaluate the capture process. The paper concludes with design recommendations for the flexible net robot, aimed at improving debris removal efficiency and operational versatility. These findings contribute to the development of sustainable space operations and debris mitigation technologies.