The Space Debris Problem and Solutions, Specifically the Disposal of the Centaur Rocket Body After Use
Author: Humphrey Bohan
Publisher:
Published: 1998
Total Pages: 53
ISBN-13:
DOWNLOAD EBOOKThis creative investigation explores the problem of space debris in the near earth environment. This includes the current situation, policies put forth by different organizations, and future trends. There is also an in depth analysis of the Centaur second stage launch system, the threat it poses as space debris, and methods of removing it as a debris threat from geotransfer and super synchronous orbits. The evaluation of the space debris problem yielded a near consensus that, although the problem has not yet reached dangerous proportions, the future trend predicted by computer analysis is in the direction of dangerous increase. Although shielding and avoidance technology are advocated by many groups, the number one idea put forth to stop the space debris problem is prevention. There is also a nearly unanimous appeal for international policy to ensure prevention of new debris and preservation of an equal floor for competitive space industry. After careful analysis of the Centaur system and a computer drag simulation for different scenarios, the ideal way to remove the spent Centaur rocket as a debris threat from geotransfer orbit is to orient the booster into a position where drag will be the largest (longitudinal axis perpendicular to the direction of motion), and circularize the spent booster as much as possible at perigee. At this low altitude (only 227 km), the lifetime of the booster is reduced far below the 25 year mark set by the 1995 revision of the 1989 Report on Orbital Debris. From super synchronous orbit, the best solution is to conserve a small amount of fuel and circularize the orbit at a super synchronous altitude, successfully removing it as a threat to any spacecraft (since the amount of traffic beyond GEO altitudes is negligible). The analysis presented on the Centaur system is easily converted to almost any system of similar mission and can provide a basis for future analysis of any system.
