Optimal Placement and Coordinated Scheduling of Distributed Space-Based Lasers for Orbital Debris Remediation

TL;DR

This paper develops an optimization framework for the placement and scheduling of space-based lasers to effectively reduce orbital debris through collaborative laser engagements.

Contribution

It introduces a novel delta-v vector analysis and a decomposition strategy for the complex CLSP, enabling efficient debris remediation planning.

Findings

The proposed framework enhances debris removal capacity in simulated scenarios.

Optimal laser constellation configurations significantly improve remediation efficiency.

Sensitivity analysis informs effective laser platform distribution for debris mitigation.

Abstract

The significant expansion of the orbital debris population poses a serious threat to the safety and sustainability of space operations. This paper investigates orbital debris remediation through a constellation of collaborative space-based lasers, leveraging the principle of momentum transfer onto debris via laser ablation. A novel delta-v vector analysis framework quantifies the cumulative effects of multiple concurrent laser-to-debris (L2D) engagements by utilizing the vector composition of the imparted delta-v vectors. The paper formulates the Concurrent Location-Scheduling Optimization Problem (CLSP) to optimize the placement of laser platforms and the scheduling of L2D engagements, aiming to maximize debris remediation capacity. Given the computational intractability of the CLSP, a decomposition strategy is employed, yielding two sequential subproblems: (1) determining optimal laser platform locations via the Maximal Covering Location Problem, and (2) scheduling L2D engagements using a novel integer linear programming approach to maximize debris remediation capacity. Computational experiments evaluate the efficacy of the proposed framework across diverse mission scenarios, demonstrating critical constellation functions such as collaborative and controlled nudging, deorbiting, and just-in-time collision avoidance. A sensitivity analysis further explores the impact of varying the number and distribution of laser platforms on debris remediation capacity, offering insights into optimizing the performance of space-based laser constellations.