Matthew Bold, Lockheed Martin Space Systems
Keywords: Laser Remote Maneuver of Space Debris at the Space Environment Research Centre
Abstract:
Active satellites have the ability to maneuver to avoid collision with other space objects. Unfortunately the majority of objects in space are debris objects that do not have the ability to maneuver. In the future the population of debris objects will grow and the probability of collision will increase. This paper will provide details on plans to use a ground based laser with uplink adaptive optics compensation to apply photon pressure to debris objects and maneuver them out of harm’s way. This work is ongoing at the Space Environment Research Centre at Mt. Stromlo Australia with collaborative efforts from Lockheed Martin, Electro-Optics Systems Inc. and the Australian National University.
Date of Conference: September 20-23, 2016
Track: Orbital Debris