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Summary of “Electromagnetic Method of Processing Space Debris”
GOLD MEDAL at the 10th Anniversary Edition of the International Invention Innovation Competition in Canada,
held on August 30th, 2025

Electromagnetic Method of Processing Space Debris

 

  1. Introduction

The electromagnetic method of processing space debris is a promising approach for addressing the issue of space trash, also known as space debris. This problem has become increasingly concerning in modern society as more human activities are projected to take place in space. The debris generated by these activities, such as nonfunctional spacecraft, abandoned launch vehicle stages, mission-related debris, and fragmentation debris, has the potential to cause a number of issues.

Space trash can vary in size, composition, velocity, and orbit shape, which makes it difficult to predict the effects and later orbits of broken pieces in the event of a collision. The Kessler Syndrome, a space disaster that could occur when orbiting satellites collide, is a major concern. This syndrome was first proposed by NASA scientist Dr. Donald J. Kessler in 1978.

There are several methods of deorbiting proposed to solve the space trash problem and to prevent the orbital environment from going over the tipping point. One of the most promising methods is the electromagnetic method, which involves using electromagnetic waves to manipulate and control space debris. Another potential solution is the laser tracking system, which is designed to track and monitor space debris.

Overall, the electromagnetic method of processing space debris shows great promise for addressing the issue of space trash, but it is important to continue exploring and developing new and innovative solutions to this problem.

 

 2. Methods Analysis

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2-1 Space Trash

Space trash, or space debris, is a problem in modern society as our future depends on space exploration. The debris includes nonfunctional spacecraft, abandoned launch vehicle stages, mission-related debris, and fragmentation debris [1].

Space trash varies in size, composition, velocity, and orbit shape. For example, launch vehicle stages are second stages of rockets to send satellites or spacecraft to a desired orbit. It is difficult to predict the effects and later orbits of the broken pieces in case of collision with this type of space trash.

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2-2 Kessler Syndrome

The Kessler Syndrome is a space disaster that could occur when orbiting satellites collide. Since low orbits are cheaper to raise satellites, tremendous amounts of satellites are concentrated in this area. And since low orbits can be relatively easily launched, it results in overlapping orbits.

Objects in orbit will continue to increase in aging satellites, new satellites, and materials from launching satellites, and accordingly, the risk of collision will gradually increase. The likelihood of a Kessler Syndrome to happen will increase along with the collisions.

Considering that these debris travel several kilometers per second, the collision between space debris and a satellite can be seen as a case of crashing into a car traveling in different directions. The collision between space debris and satellite causing multiple metal fragments starts to happen as like a chain reaction.

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2-3 Deorbiting methods

There are several methods of deorbiting proposed to solve the space trash problem and to stop the orbital environment going over the tipping point.

(1) Net / Gripper method

The first and most common suggestion is to catch the desired debris with a net or a mechanical arm. This method is called “active debris removal” where another satellite is targeted to remove another specific object. The net/gripper method requires a satellite to go up in orbit and actively interact with the debris. Sending a satellite into the region increases the chance of that satellite to collide with another debris.

(2) Harpoon method

The harpoon may seem like a better solution than the net method as it secures the targeted object in a more secure way, decreasing the chance of the debris escaping the grasp of the capture method. However, it requires the physical capture satellite to be in orbit, thus increasing the dangers to a Kessler Syndrome. The harpoon itself is also a critical drawback as it could severely damage the debris and create more small debris in the orbit.

(3) Laser method

The laser method is a way to deorbit the satellites. It has two separate approaches to the problem. The first approach is buring the small space trash pieces in space. The second one is to burn off a segment of space trash to change course and increase atmospheric drag. This method has a relatively smaller danger of causing another chain reaction than the other methods, but it is more costly and hard to target space debris.

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 2-4 Laser tracking system for find space debris

There are various methods for tracking space debris from the ground, including the use of radio waves sent into space to capture reflected signals using radio telescopes or optical tracking methods. The United States Space Command has been conducting continuous monitoring using ground-based radar and celestial telescopes, and a report from 2009 indicated that about 19,000 large debris fragments had been reported.

In addition, various organizations and facilities around the world are working to track and manage space debris. The European Space Agency's Space Debris Telescope in Spain, Germany's Tracking and Imaging Radar (TIRA), the Goldstone Deep Space Communication Complex in California, the Haystack Observatory at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the EISCAT non-interference radar in northern Scandinavia are just a few examples of facilities that collect information on space debris and share it for tracking and management purposes.

The tracking and management of space debris is essential for ensuring the safety and sustainability of space activities. It is important to continue to develop and improve these methods in order to effectively manage the growing problem of space debris in orbit around our planet.

The tracking and management of space debris is a critical aspect of space exploration and utilization. With the use of advanced technologies and international collaboration, efforts are being made to effectively track and manage space debris and ensure the safety and sustainability of space activities.

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3. The purpose of this research

As the number of satellites and other objects launched into space continues to increase, so does the amount of space debris that orbits our planet. This debris poses a danger to operational spacecraft and can cause significant damage upon impact. In order to address this problem, efforts are being made to develop methods for handling space debris.

One such effort involves the development of methods for handling the small space debris that exists in low Earth orbit. This debris can be as small as a few millimeters, but even at this size, it can cause significant damage due to its high velocity. To address this problem, researchers are exploring various methods for tracking and capturing small debris, including the use of nets, tethers, and other devices.

Another area of focus is the large space debris that exists in geostationary orbit. This debris can be as large as defunct satellites or spent rocket stages, and poses a significant threat to operational spacecraft. To address this problem, researchers are exploring methods for de-orbiting large debris or moving it to a safe orbit where it can no longer pose a threat.

Overall, the goal is to develop effective methods for handling space debris that can help to ensure the safety and sustainability of space activities in the years to come.

 

4. Methods

The development of space debris handling systems has become increasingly important as the amount of debris in orbit around our planet continues to increase. This debris poses a threat to operational spacecraft and can cause significant damage upon impact. As such, efforts are being made to develop effective methods for capturing and removing space debris.

One such method is the debris capture satellite, which is designed to capture first space debris by contacting it with a charged panel to induce a negative charge. The captured debris is then checked for its location and reported to a processing satellite using a transmission device. In the case of second space debris, an electron gun is attached to emit electrons from within the debris to induce a positive charge. The captured debris is then removed from orbit using a horseshoe-shaped electromagnet on the processing satellite.

In addition to these methods, the debris capture satellite is also equipped with a transmission device that notifies the processing satellite of the orbit it has passed through. This allows the processing satellite to determine the location of the captured debris and take appropriate action.

Another promising method for space debris handling is the electric solar wind sail (e-sail), which is included in the processing satellite. The e-sail uses the force of the magnetic field created by the wire on the processing satellite to push itself forward by rebounding against high-energy particles coming from the sun. This method offers a sustainable and effective solution for space debris removal.

Overall, the development of space debris handling systems is crucial for the safety and sustainability of space activities in the years to come. Efforts are being made to develop new and innovative methods for capturing and removing space debris, and it is hoped that these efforts will help to ensure the continued exploration and utilization of space.

 

5. Solution

The handling of space debris is a critical aspect of space exploration and utilization. As the number of objects in orbit around our planet continues to increase, so does the risk of collisions between space debris and operational spacecraft. These collisions can cause significant damage and even endanger the lives of astronauts. As such, it is crucial to develop effective methods for capturing and removing space debris.

One promising method for space debris handling is the electromagnetic treatment of space debris. This method involves the use of a magnetic field to capture and remove space debris, making it highly efficient and sustainable. The space debris handling system for electromagnetic treatment of space debris also has the advantage of using solar energy for power supply, making it a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution.

The system is designed to handle both small and large space debris, providing an effective solution for the growing problem of space debris in orbit around our planet. The electromagnetic treatment of space debris is a highly advanced and innovative method for space debris handling, and its development represents a significant step forward in ensuring the safety and sustainability of space activities.

Efforts are being made to develop and deploy this technology, as well as other advanced methods for space debris handling. These efforts are crucial for the continued exploration and utilization of space, and it is hoped that they will help to ensure a safe and sustainable future for space activities.

In conclusion, the electromagnetic treatment of space debris represents an innovative and advanced solution for handling space debris. Its development and deployment will be crucial for ensuring the safety and sustainability of space activities in the years to come.

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6. Conclusion

Space debris, also known as space junk, is becoming a significant problem in modern society due to our increasing dependence on space for various aspects of our civilization and development. Space debris is usually created through human space activities, and while some micro meteors do consist of some of them, it is an extremely minuscule amount that can be ignored. However, the debris created by human activities, which is mostly orbital debris, includes non-functional spacecraft, abandoned launch vehicle stages, mission-related debris, and fragmentation debris.

Space debris can vary in size, composition, velocity, and orbit shape depending on the intended original purpose of the object. For instance, launch vehicle stages are second stages of rockets used to send satellites or spacecraft to a desired orbit. They consist of a fuel tank, several operational electronics, and vacuum engines. With several parts combined, it becomes hard to predict the effects and later orbits of the broken pieces in the event of a collision with this type of space trash.

The Kessler Syndrome is a space disaster that could occur when orbiting satellites collide. This was first proposed by NASA scientist Dr. Donald J. Kessler in 1978. Since low orbits have the advantage of being the cheapest to raise satellites, tremendous amounts of satellites are concentrated in this area. And since low orbits can be relatively easily launched at the discretion of the manufacturer, it results in naturally overlapping orbits. The likelihood of a Kessler Syndrome increases gradually with the number of collisions. Considering that these debris travel at several kilometers per second, the collision between space debris and a satellite can be seen as a case of crashing into a car traveling in different directions. The collision between space debris and a satellite causing multiple metal fragments starts to happen as a chain reaction. The prior satellites become metal fragments that collide again with other satellites. This creates a dome of fast-moving space debris that destroys the majority of space vehicles. It finally becomes a state where humanity cannot launch GPS satellites, meteorological observation satellites, and technology like aviation guidance, and communication systems start to fail.

There are several methods of deorbiting proposed to solve the space debris problem and to stop the orbital environment from going over the tipping point. However, most of these methods have their drawbacks. For instance, the net/gripper method needs a satellite to go up in orbit and actively interact with the debris, which increases the cost of the whole mission. The harpoon method requires the physical capture satellite to be in orbit, which increases the dangers of a Kessler Syndrome. The laser method has a relatively smaller chance of causing another chain reaction than other methods, but it does not use active satellites to deorbit space debris, which increases the cost of the whole system.

To address this problem, a new method has been devised to safely re-enter a decommissioned satellite into Earth's atmosphere. This method involves attaching a wire carrying electric current to the satellite and using electromagnetic induction to slow down the satellite's velocity. As the satellite moves away from the Earth's center, the gravitational force weakens, reducing the velocity required for the satellite to escape. To keep the satellite in orbit, the wire generates a magnetic field around the satellite, and current flows through the wire and the satellite, creating electromagnetic induction. This, in turn, generates a force that slows down the satellite's velocity, reducing its altitude and eventually causing it to re-enter the Earth's atmosphere.

Compared to traditional methods of disposing of decommissioned satellites, this method is more cost-effective and safer. It does not require additional rocket launches or the use of active satellites, which can increase the risk of a Kessler Syndrome. The new method is an alternative solution to the problem of space debris and can be used as a continuous alternative solution for future decommissioned satellites.

As a satellite moves further away from the center of the Earth, gravity weakens, reducing the speed required for the satellite to escape. Typically, to keep a satellite safely in orbit, this speed must be reduced by lowering its altitude, eventually causing it to enter the atmosphere.

To achieve this, a magnetic field is created around the satellite through electricity. Within the magnetic field, current flows between the satellite and the wire, causing electromagnetic induction around the satellite. As a result of this induction, the satellite naturally slows down.

This method is an economical and safe way to safely return satellites to Earth without the need for additional rocket launches or collisions with artificial satellites, unlike previous methods of disposing of satellites. This method can be used as a continuous alternative solution to the problem of satellite disposal that may arise in the future.

 

The Electrically induced satellite plays a significant role in capturing and processing space debris. When space debris is left unattended, it can pose a great danger to other satellites and spacecraft, leading to collisions that could result in further debris and even catastrophic consequences. To prevent this, the electrically induced satellite is employed to capture and process space debris, ensuring the safety of other space objects.

 

Once the electrically induced satellite captures space debris, it undergoes a processing phase to ensure that it does not pose any threat to other space objects. During this phase, the orbit of the debris is altered by the Lorentz force generated by the horseshoe-shaped electromagnet (260) of the processing satellite. This electromagnetic method of altering the orbit of space debris is an effective way to prevent collisions with other satellites and spacecraft.

 

For larger space debris, the use of an electron gun is necessary to capture and process it. The electron gun is used to ionize the debris, making it easier to capture and process in the same manner as smaller debris. This method of processing space debris plays a vital role in keeping the space environment safe and free from potential collisions.

Overall, the satellite and its processing methods are a crucial component in maintaining the safety of space objects and preventing potentially catastrophic consequences. By capturing and processing space debris, the electrically induced satellite plays a vital role in ensuring that the space environment is safe and accessible for future missions and exploration.

References

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