ecr-bAsed muLticharged ion Beam for Active debris removal and oTher remediatiOn stRategies

ongoing

Space pollution from satellite debris poses a critical challenge for the sustainability of space operations and traffic management. To address this, several concepts for space debris removal are being explored, including both contact-based and contactless methods. Contact-based solutions are especially complex due to the unpredictable motion of space debris, which could easily damage or destroy these systems during retrieval attempts. ALBATOR, a contactless approach, proposes the use of the Ion Beam Shepherd method, which relies on momentum transfer from a collimated, multiply-charged plasma beam. The project focuses on designing and developing an Electron Cyclotron Resonance (ECR)-like ion beam system, along with the necessary electronics, including RF power systems, high-voltage components, command and control systems, and gas regulation units. To achieve that ambition, ALBATOR will optimize the ion beam system by gaining a deep understanding of plasma discharge and plume expansion physics. It will create advanced models to simulate plasma discharge and its interaction with debris, accounting for factors such as multiply-charged ions, electromagnetic wave behavior, and materials interactions like sputtering, which influence momentum transfer. A series of vacuum chamber tests will be conducted to characterize the ion beam's properties, such as ion current, energy, and composition, under simulated space conditions. Additionally, the interaction of the ion beam with various satellite materials will be studied to assess its effectiveness in momentum transfer. The system’s versatility will also be tested using different propellants. The results from these tests will contribute to simulations of various mission scenarios, including debris deorbiting and detumbling. These findings will help build synergies with other debris remediation strategies, such as harpoons or nets, ultimately creating a comprehensive solution portfolio to secure on-orbit space operations.