Space Debris Mitigation Utilizing Laser Ablation

Space debris poses an increasingly serious threat to satellites and spacecraft. Our project will aim to mitigate this problem using an array of kilowatt-class lasers, powered by photovoltaics. An experiment was implemented to study this using a directed energy system to completely vaporize or propel space debris out of Earth’s orbit. Common materials found in space debris were tested using a 60MW/m2 laser to simulate mission level flux. We vaporized samples in a low thermal conductive sample holder inside a vacuum chamber. The difference in the reflection of a measurement laser aimed at a mirror on the torsion balance correlated with success of vaporization/ablation. Applications of this system include diminishing or propelling space debris, which can result in reduced risk of collision.