A new propulsion system developed by a researcher at Tohoku University, Japan, could provide a non-contact method for cleaning up Earth’s orbit.
This technology offers a solution to the continuous accumulation of space debris, such as defunct satellites and spent rocket stages.
Each piece of debris poses a risk of a potential collision that could damage active satellites, space stations, and disrupt navigation.
“Owing to their uncontrolled motion and velocity exceeding that of bullets, space debris orbiting around Earth poses a serious threat by a significant increase in the potential risk of collisions with satellites that support sustainable human activity in space,” said Kazunori Takahashi, an associate professor, in the press release dated September 9.
To remove space debris, the researchers have unveiled a new tech called a “bidirectional plasma ejection type electrodeless plasma thruster.”
The concept involves a satellite using its ion engine’s plasma exhaust to knock space debris into the atmosphere to burn up.
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