Energy Analysis of a Space-Energy Driven Laser-Ablation Debris Removal System

Abstract

Space-energy driven laser-ablation debris removal is a feasible way to address the worsening space debris environment. Energy analysis is crucial for the design and run of a space-energy driven laser-ablation debris removal system. This study details the energy analysis of a space-energy driven laser-ablation debris removal system as affected by laser energy, frequency and range. The results show that the laser irradiation time and energy efficiency are decreased with increases in the laser energy and frequency, and the energy efficiency in the case of different planes is significantly lower than that in the case of coplanar. However, laser range has no effect on the perigee changing and energy efficiency. The results can effectively guide the removal scheme design and evaluation.