Analysis of ballistic aspects in the combined method for removing space objects from the near­Earth orbits

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15587/1729-4061.2019.161778

Keywords:

space debris, gravitational field, low near-Earth orbit, combined method of removal, energy costs

Abstract

We have considered one of the ways to clean the near-Earth orbits from space debris implying the removal of large-size objects, which represent a danger to space navigation and ecology of near-earth space, in the dense atmosphere of the Earth. To implement it, a combined method has been proposed that uses a jet propulsion system and an aerodynamic sail. The propulsion system ensures the formation of an elliptical disposal orbit with a perigee in the upper layers of the atmosphere, while the aerodynamic sail enables a gradual decrease in velocity due to the action of air resistance force. It has been shown that a combination of active and passive methods makes it possible to partially compensate for the disadvantages of both methods and implement a guaranteed removal of a space debris object in the dense layers of the atmosphere at minimal cost over the predefined time. In this case, effectiveness of the proposed method depends largely on the conditions of the upper atmosphere, which is a function of solar activity that changes over a period of 11 years.

To identify effective motion trajectories of space debris objects in the upper atmosphere, we have solved a problem on the motion of a body in the gravitational field of the Earth, taking into consideration the dynamics of the atmosphere, as well as considering the cycles of solar activity. The dependences have been derived of the perigee height of the disposal orbit first revolution, providing for a lifetime not longer than 25 years and the magnitude for a velocity pulse required to form a disposal orbit from low circular orbits. We have determined energy costs for the removal of space debris objects taking into consideration the dynamically changing Earth's atmosphere. An analysis of the effect of solar activity on energy costs of the process of removing space objects has been performed.

The research results are of practical interest for the development of means for the combined removal of large-size space debris from the low near-Earth orbits

Author Biographies

Mykola Dron’, Oles Honchar Dniprо National University Gagarina ave., 72, Dnipro, Ukraine, 49010

Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor

Department of Design and Construction

Aleksandr Golubek, Yuzhnoye State Design Office Kryvoriz’ka str., 3, Dnipro, Ukraine, 49008

PhD, Associate Professor, Lead Software Engineer

Department of Design and Theoretical Works

Ludmila Dubovik, Oles Honchar Dniprо National University Gagarina ave., 72, Dnipro, Ukraine, 49010

Senior Researcher

Institute of Energy

Andrii Dreus, Oles Honchar Dniprо National University Gagarina ave., 72, Dnipro, Ukraine, 49010

Doctor of Technical Sciences, Associate Professor

Department of Fluid Mechanics and Energy and Mass Transfer

Krystyna Heti, Oles Honchar Dniprо National University Gagarina ave., 72, Dnipro, Ukraine, 49010

PhD, Associate Professor

Department of Fluid Mechanics and Energy and Mass Transfer

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Published

2019-04-02

How to Cite

Dron’, M., Golubek, A., Dubovik, L., Dreus, A., & Heti, K. (2019). Analysis of ballistic aspects in the combined method for removing space objects from the near­Earth orbits. Eastern-European Journal of Enterprise Technologies, 2(5 (98), 49–54. https://doi.org/10.15587/1729-4061.2019.161778

Issue

Section

Applied physics