Pollution of the Earth’s orbit of space debris is becoming a bigger problem. Various projects in this field still could not cope with the task. But, you might be able to make the experts from the University of Toulouse, which in the framework of the European space Agency offered to clean the orbit to use a special magnetic “tugs”.
According to experts, in earth orbit is now approximately 500,000 parts of various space debris that are moving at about 1000 kilometers per hour. To solve the problem of purification of outer space developed the project of creation of Autonomous space satellites, carrying the cryogenic magnets. Currently in the testing phase, scientists use a system of coils that are cooled to very low temperatures that will develop technologies to manipulate the pieces of space debris.
One of the main advantages of the new method is that the satellite does not have to interact with pieces of space debris personally to interact with a magnetic field. Moreover, existing spacecraft can be modified for these purposes. In most spacecraft, there are units made of magnetic materials such as special magnetic stabilizers, using the Earth’s magnetic field is oriented in space.
In addition to the above, satellites tugs can be used not only for cleaning of the orbit, but also to correct the orbit of the spacecraft. They generate forces of magnetic fields can change the trajectory with an accuracy of 10 to 15 meters.
Presented a new project for cleaning up Earth’s orbit from space debris
Vladimir Kuznetsov