As the number of artificial satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) increases, the probability of collisions between these artificial satellites increases, and so does the need for cost-effective space debris remediation. In this project, we designed and tested a mission framework for the capture and detumbling of space debris. A computer simulation was used to observe the contact dynamics of a net on space debris and its efficacy in capturing tumbling satellites. An experiment was designed and executed to validate the use of a momentum wheel and tether-net linkage to detumble spinning space debris. Through experimentation, it was shown that controlling a piece of tumbling debris with a tether-net connection and momentum wheel is a feasible solution for low-mass debris removal mission.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Luu, Max
• Stump, Timothy James
• Desmond, Joshua Anthony

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-042519-141028

Advisor

• Pinciroli, Carlo
• Hou, Zhikun
• Dick, Frank A.

Year

• 2019

Date created

• 2019-04-25

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Mechanical Engineering
• Computer Science
• Robotics Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright