Nuclear Rockets

Pollution Effects and Management of Orbital Space Debris

“…The general working mechanism of a satellite, regardless of its type and dictated mission, utilizes the fuel reserve to reach the destined orbital track. Upon arrival, gravitational force acts on it to take over control and set it in orbit . There are several factors and forces that can act on a satellite and affect its intended trajectory and angle of orientation, including the sun’s gravitational force, the moon’s gravitational force, other space debris heading uncontrollably toward the satellite, a malfunction in the solar panels due to shadow phase or damages due to collision with OSD, malfunction of the batteries due to overuse, or any other causes resulting in cutoffs to sunlight access. ,, When the satellite succeeds in reaching its specific orbit at a high speed due to the presence of gravitational forces, its carried mass, and the lack of air-friction in space, the satellite becomes attracted to the intended planet or star .…”

“…These fuels undergo a combustion process to burn the fuel and release the energy for maneuvering the satellite back to track. , Additionally, plutonium, uranium carbide, and uranium dioxide are the most commonly used nuclear fuels; they undergo a fission reaction under the presence of a compatible propellant, thus triggering a series of chain reactions that release sufficient heat. This heat is then passed on to the propellant, which would be used to navigate the satellite (i.e., as fuel) . Low-grade uranium is used in some satellites as a source of energy to generate electricity .…”

“…This heat is then passed on to the propellant, which would be used to navigate the satellite (i.e., as fuel). 24 Low-grade uranium is used in some satellites as a source of energy to generate electricity. 10 Some of these nuclear-powered satellites (NPSs) include Transit 4A, SNAP series (i.e., SNAP-10A), Kosmos series (i.e., Kosmos 954), and others.…”