Inventors:
Robert O. Werka - Huntsville AL
Assignee:
Teledyne Industries, Inc. - Los Angeles CA
International Classification:
B64G 122
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for mitigating space debris having special applicability for use with anti-satellite weapons testing. To mitigate debris in a controlled and predictable fashion a first body is tethered to a lower altitude body. A suitable length of tether is chosen to correlate with the orbital characteristics of the higher altitude body such that the lower altitude body has a relatively low velocity for its orbital altitude. Upon release of the target from the tether or upon debris production by the lower altitude target, the reduced velocity of the body or debris produced for its altitude results in rapid deorbiting of the target or debris. To offset any momentum increase created when the debris is the result of an impact of an object with the lower altitude body, the orbital characteristics are controlled to ensure the proper deorbiting velocity is achieved. A counter rotation of the tether system can also be used to negate an increase in velocity due to impact.
