Laser Ablation for Efficient Space Debris Removal

Space debris poses an escalating threat to safe and sustainable use of space. To tackle this problem, several strategies are being explored, including spacecraft design enhancements, mission program revisions, space traffic management, and active space debris removal. A promising approach for debris removal involves laser ablation, which employs laser-induced plasma techniques to adjust debris trajectories, facilitating safe re-entry into Earth's atmosphere for termination of debris or sending debris to graveyard orbits. This presentation will explore the use of nanosecond pulsed laser ablation (with fluence around 100 kJ/m^2 and a 6 ns pulse duration) to develop efficient methods for space debris removal. Furthermore, femtosecond pulsed laser ablation (with a 100 fs pulse duration) will be investigated for its unique directional plasma plume, enhancing control in debris removal. This research will address key challenges, including real-time tracking and targeting, and showcase the potential of ground-based laser targeting in space for debris removal.