Work

On Space Debris Removal by Lasers: Can Spatially and Temporally Shaped Laser Pulses Be Advantageous for Propulsion?

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: For exploration of space, in particular in attempts to find new extra-terrestrial resources, human society has encountered the problem of space pollution with human-made debris, which represents high risks for space missions. This prompted extensive activities for cleaning the space using various techniques, which are briefly overviewed here. But the main focus of this paper is on using lasers for space debris removal. The attention is drawn to laser beam shaping techniques, which are discussed as potential technologies for deorbiting space debris, providing more energetically favorable laser propulsion compared to conventional laser beams.

Source: Aerospace

DOI: 10.3390/aerospace12090806

Author: Nadezhda M. Bulgakova

Institution: FZU - Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Space Satellite Systems and Control

Subfield: Aerospace Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896

Funder: European Regional Development Fund