Theoretical studies on space debris recycling and energy conversion system in the International Space Station

Abstract

The space debris management and alleviation in the microgravity environment is a dynamic research theme of contemporary interest. Herein, we provide a theoretical proof of the concept of a lucrative energy conversion system that is capable of changing the space debris into useful powders in the International Space Station (ISS) for various bids. A specially designed broom is adapted to collect the space debris of various sizes. An optical sorting method is proposed for the debris segregation in the ISS by creating an artificial gravitational field.It could be done by using the frame-dragging effect or gravitomagnetism. An induction furnace is facilitated for converting the segregated metal-scrap into liquid metal. A fuel-cell aided water atomization method is proposed for transforming the liquid debris into metal powder. The high-energetic metal powders obtained from the space debris could be employed for producing propellants for useful aerospace applications, and the silicon powder obtained could be used for making soil for fostering the pharmaceutical-flora in the space lab in the future aiming for the scarce-drug discoveries for high-endurance health care management. The proposed energy conversion system is a possible alternative for the space debris extenuation and its real applications in orbiting laboratories through the international collaboration for the benefits to humanity.

Los desechos espaciales: un desafío pendiente

“…En este sentido un grupo de científicos se abocó al estudio de técnicas que cambien los desechos en energía para múltiples aplicaciones de la Estación Espacial internacional (EEI). Se trata de una prueba teórica sobre el reciclado de desechos espaciales y un sistema de conversión de energía en la Estación Espacial Internacional (Mariappan et al, 2020). Una escoba especialmente diseñada con un aparato DHEM (doble cabeza electromagnética) es adaptada para recoger desechos espaciales de distintos tamaños, particularmente los intermedios.…”

The proof of concept of uninterrupted push‐pull electromagnetic propulsion and energy conversion systems for drones and planet landers

“…This is true for the design of industrial robots facilitated with push-pull EMP system. 9,18,20,27,28 The precise control offered by the push-pull EMP system is essential in the design of space robots, including quadcopters and drones, for various applications such as space debris mitigation in space stations, using tools such as space brooms or otherwise. 18 Additionally, the system is useful for deep space propulsion probes and planet landers, enabling soft landings on extraterrestrial bodies, 9,[19][20][21] fostering pharmaceutical florae in space labs.…”

“…18 Additionally, the system is useful for deep space propulsion probes and planet landers, enabling soft landings on extraterrestrial bodies, 9,[19][20][21] fostering pharmaceutical florae in space labs. [27][28][29] The ability to continuously adjust the drone's speed and trajectory is critical in these applications, where any deviation from the planned course could result in mission failure. The EMP system's precise control is essential in the design of energy conversion and harvesting devices for space and defense applications.…”

“…Currently, the development of unrestricted autonomous drones for Earth and other planetary explorations are highly demanding worldwide 1–29 . This is true for the design of industrial robots facilitated with push‐pull EMP system 9,18,20,27,28 .…”

What Would Battery Manufacturing Look Like on the Moon and Mars?

“…More recently, Ellery et al proposed the utilization of the FFC Cambridge Process, an electrolytic technique that can extract nearly pure metals from their oxide and silicate forms, in conjunction with selective laser sintering or electron beam freeform fabrication for the production of pure Al, Si, Fe, and Ti . Al could also be obtained by recycling existing pieces and even space debris, as it is present in lightweight structural materials used for satellites and antennas, in conducting wiring, in solar sail coatings, in thermally conductive straps, in platforms and support trusses, and even in hard magnets. − …”