Overview
This research investigates the influence of encounter geometry on the efficacy of space-based laser systems designed for orbital debris remediation and associated parameter estimation. The study focuses on situations where the interaction between a laser platform and target debris, particularly the momentum transfer and resulting perturbations, is not precisely known due to partially characterized debris properties. This leads to a coupled problem involving both laser ablation and the estimation of critical laser-matter parameters, such as the momentum coupling coefficient, which inherently requires ablation that alters the debris trajectory.
Research Context
The accumulation of orbital debris presents a substantial threat to future space operations. Space-based lasers, utilizing laser ablation, are considered a viable approach for mitigating debris proliferation and maintaining the orbital environment. Existing literature often treats space-based laser debris remediation as a deterministic process, assuming exact knowledge of momentum transfer and debris perturbations. However, actual laser-to-debris engagement outcomes are understood to be inherently stochastic due to the incomplete characterization of debris properties.
Furthermore, the in situ estimation of crucial laser-matter parameters, suchis as the momentum coupling coefficient, necessitates ablation. This ablation, in turn, perturbs the debris trajectory, creating a feedback loop where the laser platform and target debris encounter geometry directly affects both remediation effectiveness and estimation accuracy. This work addresses this coupled ablation-and-estimation problem.
Approach
The study introduces a joint ablation-and-estimation methodology. This methodology aims to provide insights into the factors that determine whether different encounter geometries improve or degrade the overall performance of both remediation and estimation. The approach considers the inherent uncertainties associated with partially known debris characteristics.
Findings
- The analysis demonstrates how periapsis-lowering capacity, linear system observability, and nonlinear estimation performance are affected by variations in laser parameters and relative orbit geometry.
- These effects were observed across multiple coplanar and out-of-plane encounter geometries.
- The research identifies key drivers influencing these metrics, highlighting considerations for the safe and effective operation of space-based lasers under conditions of uncertainty.