Pulsed laser interactions with space debris: Target shape effects

Liedahl, D. A.; Rubenchik, A.; Libby, S. B.; Nikolaev, S.; Phipps, C. R.

doi:10.1016/j.asr.2013.05.019

Title: Pulsed laser interactions with space debris: Target shape effects

Abstract

Among the approaches to the proposed mitigation and remediation of the space debris problem is the de-orbiting of objects in low Earth orbit through irradiation by ground-based high-intensity pulsed lasers. Laser ablation of a thin surface layer causes target recoil, resulting in the depletion of orbital angular momentum and accelerated atmospheric re-entry. However, both the magnitude and direction of the recoil are shape dependent, a feature of the laser-based remediation concept that has received little attention. Since the development of a predictive capability is desirable, we have investigated the dynamical response to ablation of objects comprising a variety of shapes. We derive and demonstrate a simple analytical technique for calculating the ablation-driven transfer of linear momentum, emphasizing cases for which the recoil is not exclusively parallel to the incident beam. For the purposes of comparison and contrast, we examine one case of momentum transfer in the low-intensity regime, where photon pressure is the dominant momentum transfer mechanism, showing that shape and orientation effects influence the target response in a similar, but not identical, manner. As a result, we address the related problem of target spin and, by way of a few simple examples, show how ablation can alter the spinmore »« less

Authors:

Liedahl, D. A. ^[1]; Rubenchik, A. ^[1]; Libby, S. B. ^[1]; Nikolaev, S. ^[1]; Phipps, C. R. ^[2]

Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
Photonic Associates, Santa Fe, NM (United States)

Publication Date:: Fri May 24 00:00:00 EDT 2013

Research Org.:: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)

Sponsoring Org.:: USDOE

OSTI Identifier:: 1240061

Report Number(s):: LLNL-JRNL-609745
Journal ID: ISSN 0273-1177

Grant/Contract Number:: AC52-07NA27344

Resource Type:: Accepted Manuscript

Journal Name:: Advances in Space Research

Additional Journal Information:: Journal Volume: 52; Journal Issue: 5; Journal ID: ISSN 0273-1177

Publisher:: Elsevier

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

Subject:: 71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUMM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSICS; 42 ENGINEERING; laser ablation; laser orbit modification

Citation Formats


                    Liedahl, D. A., Rubenchik, A., Libby, S. B., Nikolaev, S., and Phipps, C. R. Pulsed laser interactions with space debris: Target shape effects.  United States: N. p., 2013. 
Web.  doi:10.1016/j.asr.2013.05.019.

Copy to clipboard


                    Liedahl, D. A., Rubenchik, A., Libby, S. B., Nikolaev, S., & Phipps, C. R. Pulsed laser interactions with space debris: Target shape effects.  United States.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asr.2013.05.019

Copy to clipboard


                    Liedahl, D. A., Rubenchik, A., Libby, S. B., Nikolaev, S., and Phipps, C. R. Fri .  
"Pulsed laser interactions with space debris: Target shape effects".  United States.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asr.2013.05.019.  https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1240061.

Copy to clipboard


                    
@article{osti_1240061,

  title        = {Pulsed laser interactions with space debris: Target shape effects},

  author       = {Liedahl, D. A. and Rubenchik, A. and Libby, S. B. and Nikolaev, S. and Phipps, C. R.},

  abstractNote = {Among the approaches to the proposed mitigation and remediation of the space debris problem is the de-orbiting of objects in low Earth orbit through irradiation by ground-based high-intensity pulsed lasers. Laser ablation of a thin surface layer causes target recoil, resulting in the depletion of orbital angular momentum and accelerated atmospheric re-entry. However, both the magnitude and direction of the recoil are shape dependent, a feature of the laser-based remediation concept that has received little attention. Since the development of a predictive capability is desirable, we have investigated the dynamical response to ablation of objects comprising a variety of shapes. We derive and demonstrate a simple analytical technique for calculating the ablation-driven transfer of linear momentum, emphasizing cases for which the recoil is not exclusively parallel to the incident beam. For the purposes of comparison and contrast, we examine one case of momentum transfer in the low-intensity regime, where photon pressure is the dominant momentum transfer mechanism, showing that shape and orientation effects influence the target response in a similar, but not identical, manner. As a result, we address the related problem of target spin and, by way of a few simple examples, show how ablation can alter the spin state of a target, which often has a pronounced effect on the recoil dynamics.},

  doi          = {10.1016/j.asr.2013.05.019},

  journal      = {Advances in Space Research},

  number       = 5,

  volume       = 52,

  place        = {United States},

  year         = {Fri May 24 00:00:00 EDT 2013},

  month        = {Fri May 24 00:00:00 EDT 2013}

}

Copy to clipboard

Journal Article:

Free Publicly Available Full Text

Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

Publisher's Version of Record

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asr.2013.05.019

Other availability

Search WorldCat to find libraries that may hold this journal

Citation Metrics:

Cited by: 39 works

Citation information provided by
Web of Science

Save / Share:

Export Metadata

Save to My Library

Works referenced in this record:

Adaptive Optics for Astronomy: Principles, Performance, and Applications
journal, January 1993

Beckers, J. M.
Annual Review of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Vol. 31, Issue 1
DOI: 10.1146/annurev.astro.31.1.13

Preface
journal, March 1991

Campbell, E. M.
Laser and Particle Beams, Vol. 9, Issue 1
DOI: 10.1017/S0263034600002317

Timely Delivery of Laser Inertial Fusion Energy (LIFE)
journal, July 2011

Dunne, M.; Moses, E. I.; Amendt, P.
Fusion Science and Technology, Vol. 60, Issue 1
DOI: 10.13182/FST10-316

Physical study of laser‐produced plasma in confined geometry
journal, July 1990

Fabbro, R.; Fournier, J.; Ballard, P.
Journal of Applied Physics, Vol. 68, Issue 2
DOI: 10.1063/1.346783

Collision frequency of artificial satellites: The creation of a debris belt
journal, January 1978

Kessler, Donald J.; Cour-Palais, Burton G.
Journal of Geophysical Research, Vol. 83, Issue A6, p. 2637-2646
DOI: 10.1029/JA083iA06p02637

Momentum Transfer by Laser Ablation of Irregularly Shaped Space Debris
conference, January 2010

Liedahl, Duane A.; Libby, Stephen B.; Rubenchik, Alexander
INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON HIGH POWER LASER ABLATION 2010, AIP Conference Proceedings
DOI: 10.1063/1.3507171

Orbital debris–debris collision avoidance
journal, November 2011

Mason, James; Stupl, Jan; Marshall, William
Advances in Space Research, Vol. 48, Issue 10
DOI: 10.1016/j.asr.2011.08.005

Impulse coupling to targets in vacuum by KrF, HF, and CO ₂ single‐pulse lasers
journal, August 1988

Phipps, C. R.; Turner, T. P.; Harrison, R. F.
Journal of Applied Physics, Vol. 64, Issue 3
DOI: 10.1063/1.341867

ORION: Clearing near-Earth space debris using a 20-kW, 530-nm, Earth-based, repetitively pulsed laser
journal, March 1996

Phipps, C. R.; Albrecht, G.; Friedman, H.
Laser and Particle Beams, Vol. 14, Issue 1
DOI: 10.1017/S0263034600009733

Removing orbital debris with lasers
journal, May 2012

Phipps, Claude R.; Baker, Kevin L.; Libby, Stephen B.
Advances in Space Research, Vol. 49, Issue 9
DOI: 10.1016/j.asr.2012.02.003

Laser system for space debris cleaning
conference, January 2012

Rubenchik, A. M.; Erlandson, A. C.; Liedahl, D.
INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON HIGH POWER LASER ABLATION 2012, AIP Conference Proceedings
DOI: 10.1063/1.4739899

Orbital debris removal by laser radiation
journal, January 1991

Schall, Wolfgang O.
Acta Astronautica, Vol. 24
DOI: 10.1016/0094-5765(91)90184-7

Removal of small space debris with orbiting lasers
conference, September 1998

Schall, Wolfgang O.
High-Power Laser Ablation, SPIE Proceedings
DOI: 10.1117/12.321602

Modeling CO2 laser ablation impulse of polymers in vapor and plasma regimes
journal, September 2009

Sinko, John E.; Phipps, Claude R.
Applied Physics Letters, Vol. 95, Issue 13
DOI: 10.1063/1.3234382

Size distribution of NaK droplets released during RORSAT reactor core ejection
journal, January 2005

Wiedemann, C.; Oswald, M.; Stabroth, S.
Advances in Space Research, Vol. 35, Issue 7
DOI: 10.1016/j.asr.2005.05.056

Orbital debris–debris collision avoidance
journal, November 2011

Mason, James; Stupl, Jan; Marshall, William
Advances in Space Research, Vol. 48, Issue 10
DOI: 10.1016/j.asr.2011.08.005

Modeling CO2 laser ablation impulse of polymers in vapor and plasma regimes
journal, September 2009

Sinko, John E.; Phipps, Claude R.
Applied Physics Letters, Vol. 95, Issue 13
DOI: 10.1063/1.3234382

Works referencing / citing this record:

Launching swarms of microsatellites using a 100 kW average power pulsed laser
journal, January 2018

Phipps, C.; Bonnal, C.; Masson, F.
Journal of the Optical Society of America B, Vol. 35, Issue 10
DOI: 10.1364/josab.35.000b20

Mechanisms governing the interaction of metallic particles with nanosecond laser pulses
journal, January 2016

Demos, Stavros G.; Negres, Raluca A.; Raman, Rajesh N.
Optics Express, Vol. 24, Issue 7
DOI: 10.1364/oe.24.007792

Similar Records in DOE PAGES and OSTI.GOV collections:

Momentum Transfer by Laser Ablation of Irregularly Shaped Space Debris

Journal Article Liedahl, Duane A ; Libby, Stephen B ; Rubenchik, Alexander - AIP Conference Proceedings

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.
https://doi.org/10.1063/1.3507171
Momentum Transfer by Laser Ablation of Irregularly Shaped Space Debris

Conference Liedahl, D A ; Libby, S B ; Rubenchik, A

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.
https://doi.org/10.1063/1.3507171

Full Text Available
LISK-BROOM: Clearing near-Earth space debris in 4 years using a 20-kW, 530-nm repetitively pulsed laser

Conference Phipps, C R ; Michaelis, M M

When space debris forced a change of plan for a recent US Space Shuttle mission, it finally reached the point of broad awareness. Almost a million pieces of debris have been generated by 35 years of spaceflight, and now threaten some long-term space missions. This problem can best a be solved by causing space debris items to re-enter and burn up in the atmosphere on a computed trajectory. Illumination of the objects by a repetitively-pulsed laser will easily produce a laser-ablation jet providing the impulse to de-orbit the object. For reasons we will discuss, we propose the use of amore »« less
Full Text Available
The mechanics of motorised momentum exchange tethers when applied to active debris removal from LEO

Journal Article Caldecott, Ralph ; Kamarulzaman, Dayangku N. S. ; Kirrane, James P. ; ... - AIP Conference Proceedings

The concept of momentum exchange when applied to space tethers for propulsion is well established, and a considerable body of literature now exists on the on-orbit modelling, the dynamics, and also the control of a large range of tether system applications. The authors consider here a new application for the Motorised Momentum Exchange Tether by highlighting three key stages of development leading to a conceptualisation that can subsequently be developed into a technology for Active Debris Removal. The paper starts with a study of the on-orbit mechanics of a full sized motorised tether in which it is shown that amore »« less
https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4904574
High Energy Laser for Space Debris Removal

Technical Report Barty, C ; Caird, J ; Erlandson, A ; ...

The National Ignition Facility (NIF) and Photon Science Directorate at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has substantial relevant experience in the construction of high energy lasers, and more recently in the development of advanced high average power solid state lasers. We are currently developing new concepts for advanced solid state laser drivers for the Laser Inertial Fusion Energy (LIFE) application, and other high average power laser applications that could become central technologies for use in space debris removal. The debris population most readily addressed by our laser technology is that of 0.1-10 cm sized debris in low earth orbit (LEO).more »« less
https://doi.org/10.2172/967732

Full Text Available

Similar Records

Title: Pulsed laser interactions with space debris: Target shape effects

Abstract

Citation Formats

Adaptive Optics for Astronomy: Principles, Performance, and Applications journal, January 1993

Preface journal, March 1991

Timely Delivery of Laser Inertial Fusion Energy (LIFE) journal, July 2011

Physical study of laser‐produced plasma in confined geometry journal, July 1990

Collision frequency of artificial satellites: The creation of a debris belt journal, January 1978

Momentum Transfer by Laser Ablation of Irregularly Shaped Space Debris conference, January 2010

Orbital debris–debris collision avoidance journal, November 2011

Impulse coupling to targets in vacuum by KrF, HF, and CO 2 single‐pulse lasers journal, August 1988

ORION: Clearing near-Earth space debris using a 20-kW, 530-nm, Earth-based, repetitively pulsed laser journal, March 1996

Removing orbital debris with lasers journal, May 2012

Laser system for space debris cleaning conference, January 2012

Orbital debris removal by laser radiation journal, January 1991

Removal of small space debris with orbiting lasers conference, September 1998

Modeling CO2 laser ablation impulse of polymers in vapor and plasma regimes journal, September 2009

Size distribution of NaK droplets released during RORSAT reactor core ejection journal, January 2005

Orbital debris–debris collision avoidance journal, November 2011

Modeling CO2 laser ablation impulse of polymers in vapor and plasma regimes journal, September 2009

Launching swarms of microsatellites using a 100 kW average power pulsed laser journal, January 2018

Mechanisms governing the interaction of metallic particles with nanosecond laser pulses journal, January 2016

Adaptive Optics for Astronomy: Principles, Performance, and Applications
journal, January 1993

Preface
journal, March 1991

Timely Delivery of Laser Inertial Fusion Energy (LIFE)
journal, July 2011

Physical study of laser‐produced plasma in confined geometry
journal, July 1990

Collision frequency of artificial satellites: The creation of a debris belt
journal, January 1978

Momentum Transfer by Laser Ablation of Irregularly Shaped Space Debris
conference, January 2010

Orbital debris–debris collision avoidance
journal, November 2011

Impulse coupling to targets in vacuum by KrF, HF, and CO ₂ single‐pulse lasers
journal, August 1988

ORION: Clearing near-Earth space debris using a 20-kW, 530-nm, Earth-based, repetitively pulsed laser
journal, March 1996

Removing orbital debris with lasers
journal, May 2012

Laser system for space debris cleaning
conference, January 2012

Orbital debris removal by laser radiation
journal, January 1991

Removal of small space debris with orbiting lasers
conference, September 1998

Modeling CO2 laser ablation impulse of polymers in vapor and plasma regimes
journal, September 2009

Size distribution of NaK droplets released during RORSAT reactor core ejection
journal, January 2005

Orbital debris–debris collision avoidance
journal, November 2011

Modeling CO2 laser ablation impulse of polymers in vapor and plasma regimes
journal, September 2009

Launching swarms of microsatellites using a 100 kW average power pulsed laser
journal, January 2018

Mechanisms governing the interaction of metallic particles with nanosecond laser pulses
journal, January 2016