Abstract The development of a fiber based laser architecture will enable novel applications in environments which have hitherto been impossible due to size, efficiency and power of traditional systems. Such a new architecture has been developed by the International Coherent Amplification Network (ICAN) project. Here we present an analysis of utilizing an ICAN laser for the purpose of tracking and de-orbiting hyper-velocity space debris. With an increasing number of new debris from collisions of active, derelict and new payloads in orbit, there is a growing danger of runaway debris impacts. Due to its compactness and efficiency, it is shown that space-based operation would be possible. For different design parameters such as fiber array size, it is shown that the kHz repetition rate and kW average power of ICAN would be sufficient to de-orbit small 1–10cm debris within a single instance via laser ablation.
Highlights ICAN: diode-pumped, fiber-based laser system with high efficiency and average power. Conceptual design of solar power orbiting debris removal system. Tracking and removal of debris over distances >100km in LEO orbit. Removal of small 1–10cm space debris in single encounter. Greater than 1000 debris removed per year.
ICAN: A novel laser architecture for space debris removal
Acta Astronautica ; 105 , 1 ; 192-200
2014-09-03
9 pages
Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
ICAN: A novel laser architecture for space debris removal
Online Contents | 2014
|ICAN - Integrated composites analyzer
AIAA | 1984
|ICAN: Integrated Composites Analyzer
NTRS | 1987
|Controls Inc. Says "Yes, iCAN"
Online Contents | 2009
Integrated Composite Analyzer (ICAN-PC)
Online Contents | 1994