Space Debris

[Deepwater6]

http://www.universetoday.com/134560/eye-opening-numbers-space-debris/

With all the smaller pieces of 1mm to 1cm would it be worth trying a large magnet instead of a laser? Something very thin, the size of the ISS with propulsion perhaps?

 

Put manageable panels together until the desired size is reached, then use propulsion to make multiple passes at different distances and latitudes. Keeping the magnets at optimal position to collect the worst of the smaller stuff. After it reaches a predetermined weight, send it into the atmosphere over the Pacific.

 

Thoughts??   

[CraigD]

With all the smaller pieces of 1mm to 1cm would it be worth trying a large magnet instead of a laser? Something very thin, the size of the ISS with propulsion perhaps?

 

Put manageable panels together until the desired size is reached, then use propulsion to make multiple passes at different distances and latitudes. Keeping the magnets at optimal position to collect the worst of the smaller stuff. After it reaches a predetermined weight, send it into the atmosphere over the Pacific.

JAXA has actually flown some prototypes of a “magnetic space junk cather”, such as the Space Tethered Autonomous Robotic Satelite-2, with talk of a full-scale one flying as early as next year

 

The scheme doesn’t just use magnetics to attract and catch debris, but to maneuver and, when it’s collected lots of junk, deorbit itself. It’s an electrodynamic tether propelled spaceship.

 

Sources: https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg22129534-800-japans-huge-magnetic-net-will-trawl-for-space-junk, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-38265676, http://www.cbsnews.com/news/japan-launches-net-into-space-to-help-with-orbital-debris