GROWING THREAT

OF SPACE DEBRIS ?
OF SPACE DEBRIS ?
GROWING THREAT

MEMBERS-

I. GAURAV PATIL
II. OJAS NEVE
III.SUHAIL SHAIKH
IV.SAACHI SAWANT
V. ATHARVA BAGWE
1
OF SPACE DEBRIS ?
GROWING THREAT
OF SPACE DEBRIS ?
GROWING THREAT

Space debris, also known as space junk, refers to

defunct human-made objects in space, oldsatellites,
spent rocket stages, and fragments from disintegration
and collisions. The problem: Space debris travels
several times faster than a bullet, and a collision
between themor with an active satellite could be
devastating.
2

BY - GAURAV PATIL | OJAS NEVE

BY -| SUHAIL
GAURAVSHAIK | SAACHI
, OJAS SAWANT
, SUHAIL | ATHARVA
, SAACHI BAGWE
, ATHARVA
 OF SPACE DEBRIS ?
GROWING THREAT
PROBLEM STATEMENT
1. Collision Risks: The escalating density of space debris raises the probability of collisions
between active satellites and debris fragments. Such collisions can result in the generation of
more debris, creating a cascading effect known as the Kessler syndrome.
2. Satellite Integrity: Space debris poses a direct risk to the integrity of operational satellites,
including communication satellites, Earth observation satellites, and scientific instruments.
Critical space assets are at risk of damage, leading to potential disruptions in vital services.
3. Space Exploration Impacts: As space agencies and private entities plan ambitious missions
beyond Earth's orbit, the threat of space debris poses a hindrance to safe space exploration.
The debris poses a hazard to spacecraft, potentially jeopardizing scientific endeavors and
exploration missions.
4. Sustainability Concerns: The uncontrolled growth of space debris undermines the long-term
sustainability of space activities. Without effective measures to mitigate and manage space
debris, the orbital environment becomes increasingly hazardous, hindering future space
endeavors and investment.

BY - GAURAV PATIL | OJAS NEVE

BY -| SUHAIL
GAURAVSHAIK | SAACHI
, OJAS SAWANT
, SUHAIL | ATHARVA
, SAACHI BAGWE
, ATHARVA
OF SPACE DEBRIS ?
EXISTING SOLUTIONS AND THERE FLAWS
GROWING THREAT

1.Active Debris Removal (ADR):

•Solution: Involves using spacecraft to actively capture and remove debris from orbit.
•Flaws:
•Costly: ADR missions are expensive to develop, launch, and operate.
•Limited Scalability: ADR is not easily scalable to address the large and growing population of space debris.
•Technical Challenges: Designing effective capture mechanisms and rendezvous techniques poses technical challenges.
2.Passive Debris Mitigation:
•Solution: Encourages satellite operators to design spacecraft with measures to reduce the creation of debris, such as implementing
• post-mission disposal plans or using materials that minimize fragmentation.
•Flaws:
•Legacy Debris: Many existing satellites were launched without these mitigation measures, contributing to the ongoing
• problem.
•International Cooperation: Achieving global adherence to mitigation guidelines is challenging.
3.Space Traffic Management (STM):
•Solution: Involves improved monitoring and coordination of space objects to avoid collisions and reduce the creation of new debris.
•Flaws:
•Limited Regulatory Framework: The lack of a comprehensive international regulatory framework hinders effective STM.
•Data Sharing Challenges: Not all countries share real-time data on their satellite positions, limiting the effectiveness
• of collision avoidance efforts.
4.Space-Based Surveillance:
•Solution: Enhancing satellite-based monitoring to improve tracking of space debris and potential collision risks.
•Flaws:
•Limited Coverage: Current surveillance systems may not provide complete coverage of all objects in orbit.
•Sensor Limitations: Sensor capabilities may be limited in detecting smaller debris objects.
5.Orbital Debris Removal Taxes and Fees:
•Solution: Imposing financial penalties or fees on satellite operators to fund debris mitigation and removal efforts.
•Flaws:
•Economic Implications: Operators may resist additional financial burdens.
4 •Global Cooperation: Implementing a universal taxation or fee system would require international cooperation.

BY -| SUHAIL
BY - GAURAV PATIL | OJAS NEVE GAURAV , OJAS
SHAIK , SUHAIL
| SAACHI , SAACHI
SAWANT , ATHARVA
| ATHARVA BAGWE
 OF SPACE DEBRIS ?
GROWING THREAT
LATEST SOLUTIONS
ORBIT
C L E A R S PA C E : SPACE DEBRIS
GUA R DI A N S : E L I M I N A T IO N :

This US-based Raytheon BBN

startup provides A spin-off Technologies and
active debris from the the University of
removal services. Swiss EPFL Michigan are
It combines Space studying the
computer vision, C e n t e r, Space system to
artificial Clear Space remove debris
intelligence (AI), develops from orbit by
and the Internet of technologies firing focused
Things (IoT) for to remove pulses of
low-cost active unresponsiv atmospheric
debris removal e or derelict gases into the
satellites path of targeted
from space debris

BY - GAURAV PATIL | OJAS NEVE | SUHAILSHA SHAIK | SAACHI SAWANT | ATHARVA BAGWE
 ADVANTAGES OF NEW
SOLUTIONS OVER OLD ONES
OF SPACE DEBRIS ?
GROWING THREAT

• Efficiency: The new solutions are more efficient and proactive in dealing
with space debris compared to the old ones which mostly rely on natural
decay
• Cost-Effective: Technologies like ground and space laser nudges provide
low-cost alternatives to other debris mitigation methods currently in use
• Safety Advanced collision avoidance technology allows new spacecraft to
avoid hitting old satellites and other objects that reside in space

BY - GAURAV PATIL | OJAS NEVE | SUHAIL SHAIK | SAACHI SAWANT | ATHARVA BAGWE
 SCOPE OF IMPLEMENTATION
OF SPACE DEBRIS ?
GROWING THREAT

▪ 1. Biomimetic Space Debris Removal: This approach involves the conceptual design of bio-
inspired active debris removal scenarios. For instance, one scenario describes a system that fires
deorbiting kits towards the target from a safe distance. Another involves a robotic arm with a
gecko-adhesive end-effector and a bee-inspired harpoon to achieve a preliminary and
subsequent rigid connection to the target
▪ 2. Optimization Solution for Planning Active Debris Removal Missions: This solution enables a
single spacecraft to deorbit multiple space debris objects in one mission efficiently.
▪ 3. Space Tether Applications: New applications for the space tether include the Tethered Space
Robot, Tethered Space Net, and Tethered Spacecraft Formation. These are quickly being adapted
for in-orbit maintenance such as fueling service, orbit maneuvering, and active space debris
capture/removal
▪ .4. Space Debris Removal Challenges and Opportunities: There are ongoing research and
development efforts focusing on the current challenges, methodologies, and opportunities in
space debris removal

BY - GAURAV PATIL | OJAS NEVE | SUHAIL SHAIK | SAACHI SAWANT | ATHARVA BAGWE
 CONCLUSION
•The escalating threat of space debris presents a critical challenge to the sustainability of space
exploration and satellite operations. Existing solutions, while collaborative, face significant flaws,
particularly in tracking capabilities and enforcement of guidelines.
•The emergence of new technologies, such as active debris removal systems and advanced tracking,
offers promising solutions. These innovations bring advantages like targeted debris removal and
enhanced collision avoidance, addressing the shortcomings of current approaches.
•However, the successful implementation of these new solutions requires global cooperation,
standardization, and the development of comprehensive regulatory frameworks. The scope of these
solutions extends beyond technological considerations, encompassing economic, legal, and
international cooperation aspects.
•In conclusion, addressing the growing threat of space debris demands a concerted effort from the
global community. By overcoming the limitations of existing solutions through the adoption of
innovative technologies and international collaboration, we can pave the way for a sustainable and
secure future in outer space. The challenges ahead are substantial, but the importance of mitigating
space debris cannot be overstated for the continued exploration and utilization of space

BY - GAURAV PATIL | OJAS NEVE | SUHAILSHA SHAIK | SAACHI SAWANT | ATHARVA BAGWE