Momentum Transfer by Laser Ablation of Irregularly Shaped Space Debris

TL;DR

This paper analyzes how laser ablation imparts momentum to irregularly shaped space debris, revealing complex impulse effects that depend on shape and orientation, which are crucial for effective debris mitigation strategies.

Contribution

It provides the first detailed analysis of ablation-driven impulses on irregularly shaped space debris, highlighting the influence of shape and orientation on momentum transfer.

Findings

Ablation impulse varies with debris shape and orientation.

Irregular shapes produce complex, non-uniform momentum transfer.

Results inform more effective laser debris mitigation techniques.

Abstract

Proposals for ground-based laser remediation of space debris rely on the creation of appropriately directed ablation-driven impulses to either divert the fragment or drive it into an orbit with a perigee allowing atmospheric capture. For a spherical fragment, the ablation impulse is a function of the orbital parameters and the laser engagement angle. If, however, the target is irregularly shaped and arbitrarily oriented, new impulse effects come into play. Here we present an analysis of some of these effects.