Dynamics Analysis of Space Netted Pocket System Capturing Non-Cooperative Target

Abstract

With the increasing amount of space debris, it is necessary to develop space debris active cleaning technology. The space netted pocket system is a flexible mechanism system which can be used to capture a non-cooperative target flexibly due to the advantages of having a stable structure, strong adaptability and a large capture range. In this paper, the dynamics of the space netted pocket system capturing a non-cooperative target are investigated. The dynamics model of the space netted pocket system is established based on the absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF). The mathematic model of the closing rope is modeled using an ANCF flexible cable dynamics model. Then, the contact collision force model is presented to describe the collision characteristics during the space netted pocket system capturing the target. Finally, the dynamic characteristics of the space netted pocket system capturing the non-cooperative target are analyzed and discussed for different capturing strategies. The simulation results indicate that the target is captured successfully and the target contacts and collides with the rope net in the capturing process, which is subjected to contact and collision forces.

Performance Estimate of a Spin-Stabilized Drag Sail for Spacecraft Deorbiting

“…However, the IADC guidelines are not mandatory, and even if they were universally adopted, the problem of space crowding would still require further actions [17]. In this regard, ESA's Space Safety Program (former Space Situational Awareness program) has been proposed to prevent collisions between working satellites [13,18] and facilitate active debris removal to reduce its density in the most crowded orbital belts [19][20][21][22]. In addition to this, some agencies are currently proposing stricter guidelines for end-of-life spacecraft disposal.…”