Preprint / Version 1

Autonomous Satellite System to Address Space Debris

##article.authors##

  • Deshna Jain Victorious Kidss Educares

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58445/rars.3142

Keywords:

Orbital debris, Space debris removal, Space Debris

Abstract

As space activity grows, so does the collection of orbital debris, which can be extremely dangerous for operational satellites, manned missions, and upcoming exploration missions. This paper suggests an autonomous system of satellites meant to actively remove debris in Low Earth Orbit. The system uses artificial intelligence for real-time detection, tracking, and classification of the debris, along with robotic components for precise capture and containment. Critical elements are sophisticated arrays of sensors, ion propulsion to assist with effective maneuvering, and modular architecture to enable repeated use. Technical and ethical issues are debated, as well as possible advantages like lowered risks for collisions and enhanced sustainability of orbital space. Challenges that are foreseeable, such as policy lacunae and technological limits, are also discussed in the paper, and it ends with suggestions and future scope for enlarging this technology. In all, the project emphasizes the significance of AI innovation in finding a solution to one of space's most urgent environmental issues.

References

Space Debris - NASA. (2023, September 27). NASA. http://nasa.gov/headquarters/library/find/bibliographies/space-debris/

O’Callaghan, J. (2019). What is Space Junk and why is it a problem? Natural History Museum. https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/what-is-space-junk-and-why-is-it-a-problem.html

Johnson, N. L., Stansbery, E., Liou, J.-C., Horstman, M., Stokely, C., & Whitlock, D. (2008). The characteristics and consequences of the break-up of the Fengyun-1C spacecraft. Acta Astronautica, 63(1), 128–135. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actaastro.2007.12.044

Smith, P. (2013). The Collision and Resulting Debris. Secure World Foundation. https://swfound.org/media/6575/swf_iridium_cosmos_collision_fact_sheet_updated_2012.pdf

ESA. (2020, December 10). The current state of space debris. European Space Agency. https://www.esa.int/Space_Safety/Space_Debris/The_current_state_of_space_debris

Khlystov, N. (2023, June 13). Why space debris is a growing problem. World Economic Forum. https://www.weforum.org/stories/2023/06/orbital-debris-space-junk-removal/

tinelmis. (2024, April 23). Kessler Syndrome - Definition & Detailed Explanation - Astronomical Objects Glossary - Sentinel Mission. Sentinel Mission. https://sentinelmission.org/astronomical-objects-glossary/kessler-syndrome-2/

European Space Agency. (2024). ClearSpace-1. European Space Agency. https://www.esa.int/Space_Safety/ClearSpace-1

ESA advances Clearspace-1 development. (n.d.). European Space Agency. https://www.esa.int/Space_Safety/ClearSpace-1/ESA_advances_Clearspace-1_development

JAXA | Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. (2019). JAXA. https://global.jaxa.jp/

Astroscale. (2018). Home - Astroscale, Space Debris - The Threat Hanging Over Our Heads. Astroscale. https://astroscale.com

Team, N. I. (2024, November 8). Space Debris: About, Threats, Challenges & More. NEXT IAS Blog. https://www.nextias.com/blog/space-debris/

European Space Agency. (2025). Using AI for more reliable space missions. European Space Agency. https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Preparing_for_the_Future/Discovery_and_Preparation/Using_AI_for_more_reliable_space_missions

Collins, C. M., & Lear, D. M. (2024, September 8). The Application of Artificial Intelligence Deep Learning to Visually Identify Micrometeoroid and Orbital Debris Impacts. NASA Technical Reports Server. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20230017763

Zhang, Y., Li, H., & Wang, X. (2021). Deep learning-based detection and tracking of space debris using satellite imagery. Journal of Aerospace Information Systems, 18(3), 120–133. https://doi.org/10.2514/1.I010891

Caldwell, S. (2021, October 16). 13.0 Deorbit Systems. NASA. https://www.nasa.gov/smallsat-institute/sst-soa/deorbit-systems/

European Space Agency. (2023). ClearSpace-1: The first debris removal mission. European Space Agency. https://www.esa.int/Space_Safety/ClearSpace-1

Astroscale. (2024). Astroscale’s ELSA-d finalizes de-orbit operations, marking successful mission conclusion. Astroscale. https://astroscale.com/astroscales-elsa-d-finalizes-de-orbit-operations-marking-successful-mission-conclusion/

Houston Chronicle. (2024). How orbital debris became a crisis for Earth’s space future. Houston Chronicle. https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/space/article/kessler-syndrome-nasa-esa-space-junk-20004760.php

NASA. (2019). Dawn spacecraft: Propulsion. NASA. https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/dawn/spacecraft/prop_main.html

Crawford, K., & Calo, R. (2016). There is a blind spot in AI research. Nature, 538(7625), 311–313. https://doi.org/10.1038/538311a

European Space Agency. (2021). ClearSpace-1: The first space mission to remove debris from orbit. European Space Agency. https://www.esa.int/Safety_Security/Clean_Space/ClearSpace-1

Gleason, M. (2018). National security, commercial satellites, and space situational awareness. The Space Review. http://www.thespacereview.com/article/3457/1

Kulu, E. (2023). Spacecraft database. NanoSat Database. https://www.nanosats.eu

NASA. (n.d.-a). Space environment and effects. NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. https://see.msfc.nasa.gov

NASA. (n.d.-b). Orbital debris program office. NASA. https://orbitaldebris.jsc.nasa.gov

UNOOSA. (2010). Space debris mitigation guidelines of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. United Nations. https://www.unoosa.org/pdf/publications/st_space_49E.pdf

ESPI. (2019). Active debris removal – an economic assessment. European Space Policy Institute. https://espi.or.at/publications/espi-public-reports

Kessler, D. J., & Cour-Palais, B. G. (1978). Collision frequency of artificial satellites: The creation of a debris belt. Journal of Geophysical Research, 83(A6), 2637–2646. https://doi.org/10.1029/JA083iA06p02637

Liou, J.-C., & Johnson, N. L. (2009). Characterization of the cataloged Fengyun-1C fragments and their long-term effect on the LEO environment. Advances in Space Research, 43(9), 1407–1415. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asr.2008.11.005

UNOOSA. (1967). Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies. United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs. https://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/spacelaw/treaties/introouterspacetreaty.html

Wiedemann, C., Flegel, S., & Braun, V. (2019). Active debris removal technologies and their limitations. Acta Astronautica, 161, 236–243. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actaastro.2019.03.022

Bandyopadhyay, S., Foust, J., Chung, S.-J., & Hadaegh, F. Y. (2016). Review of formation flying and constellation missions using nanosatellites. Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, 53(3), 567–578. https://doi.org/10.2514/1.A33467

European Space Agency. (2021, December 14). ClearSpace-1: World’s first mission to remove space debris. European Space Agency. https://www.esa.int/Safety_Security/ClearSpace-1

Astroscale. (2023). On-orbit servicing and future mission plans. Astroscale. https://astroscale.com

United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs. (2022). Guidelines for the long-term sustainability of outer space activities. United Nations. https://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/topics/long-term-sustainability-of-outer-space-activities.html

Goebel, D. M., & Katz, I. (2008). Fundamentals of electric propulsion: Ion and Hall thrusters. Wiley.

NASA. (2021). NASA orbital debris program office: Frequently asked questions. NASA. https://orbitaldebris.jsc.nasa.gov/faq/

Sohn, S., & Lim, D. (2022). Autonomous identification of space debris using deep learning. Aerospace Science and Technology, 123, 107504. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ast.2022.107504

Downloads

Posted

2025-09-28