HackerPapers

arXiv:1004.0390astro-ph.EP

Momentum Transfer by Laser Ablation of Irregularly Shaped Space Debris

Duane A. Liedahl, Stephen B. Libby, Alexander Rubenchik

Early discovery. Linked by one identifiable commenter. This paper is outside the main ranking; a mention is not an endorsement.

Abstract

Proposals for ground-based laser remediation of space debris rely on the creation of appropriately directed ablation-driven impulses to either divert the fragment or drive it into an orbit with a perigee allowing atmospheric capture. For a spherical fragment, the ablation impulse is a function of the orbital parameters and the laser engagement angle. If, however, the target is irregularly shaped and arbitrarily oriented, new impulse effects come into play. Here we present an analysis of some of these effects.

arXiv comments
8 pages, Proceedings of the 2010 International High-Power Laser Ablation Conference
Journal reference
DOI
doi:10.1063/1.3507171
Subjects
astro-ph.EPEarth and Planetary Astrophysics

On Hacker News

Linked by 1 identifiable commenter in 1 comment across 1 thread, from Jul 2017 to Jul 2017.

Comments linking this paper, per year.

Discussed in comments1 thread

  1. A large satellite appears to be falling apart in geostationary orbit 1 comment

    • It depends on the angle at which you hit the debris with the laser, as well as the shape of the debris. The idea is, generally, to hit the debris at an angle as it approaches you (bottom front of you may)[1]. Depending on the shape of the object as well as the material of the…

      eykoView on HNParent context

Submitted to Hacker News

Connected through shared HN threads, not inferred similarity or a recommendation.