Space Debris Removal with Bare Electrodynamic Tethers

Abstract

Electrodynamic tethers (EDT´s) have been proposed as one of the most promising tool for space debris removal thanks to their inherently propellantless mode of operation. Among the different technological solutions for electrodynamic tether current collection the bare tether concept has been shown to offer the best performance in terms of deorbiting capability per unit of tether mass. In this article, we consider optimally sized bare electrodynamic tethers with tape cross section attached to existing space debris whose characteristics are provided by the DISCOS database of the European Space Agency. Simulations are performed with aluminum tape EDTs stabilized along the local vertical and assuming Orbital Motion Limited (OML) theory. For the present design the EDT system is completely passive, i.e. it does not use onboard power in the current generation process. Considered tether lengths and masses are 10,15,20 km and 40,60 and 80 kg. Results confirm the suitability of passive EDTs as orbital debris removal systems