Advancement and Key Technologies of Deployable Membrane Structure for Space Debris Removal

Abstract

：The status of space debris and removal technology were introduced at first. The development of small satellite constellation and study on de-orbit specification of satellite were summarized. The advancement of the space debris removal membrane structure was proposed due to its unique properties such as low cost, high degree of technological maturity and good applicability for all kinds of LEO satellites. Key technologies associated with the membrane structure were presented, such as structure configuration design technology, long life membrane technology, fold and deploy technology, low cost design technology, and the approaches to solve these key problems were introduced. The analysis showed that the status of space debris will be even more threatening due to the rapid development of small satellite constellation, new de-orbit specification of satellite will be promulgated soon, the application of space debris removal membrane structure was urgently demanded. The main technologies associated with the membrane structure had been studied and tested in space flight, the technique will be widely applied in the future.