Removing Orbital Debris with Lasers

TL;DR

This paper evaluates the feasibility of using high-power pulsed lasers from Earth to remove orbital debris in low Earth orbit, highlighting recent technological advances that make laser orbital debris removal (LODR) a cost-effective solution.

Contribution

It reassesses the LODR approach considering recent advances in laser and mirror technology, proposing it as the most comprehensive and cost-effective debris mitigation method.

Findings

Laser orbital debris removal is now more feasible due to technological advances.

LODR could serve multiple functions beyond debris removal.

International cooperation is essential for implementation.

Abstract

Orbital debris in low Earth orbit (LEO) are now sufficiently dense that the use of LEO space is threatened by runaway collisional cascading. A problem predicted more than thirty years ago, the threat from debris larger than about 1 cm demands serious attention. A promising proposed solution uses a high power pulsed laser system on the Earth to make plasma jets on the objects, slowing them slightly, and causing them to re-enter and burn up in the atmosphere. In this paper, we reassess this approach in light of recent advances in low-cost, light-weight modular design for large mirrors, calculations of laser-induced orbit changes and in design of repetitive, multi-kilojoule lasers, that build on inertial fusion research. These advances now suggest that laser orbital debris removal (LODR) is the most cost-effective way to mitigate the debris problem. No other solutions have been proposed that address the whole problem of large and small debris. A LODR system will have multiple uses beyond debris removal. International cooperation will be essential for building and operating such a system.