Advantages of small satellite carrier concepts for LEO/GEO inspection and debris removal missions. (1st January 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Geller, David K.; Crocket, Derick; Christensen, Randy; Shelley, Adam
• Is Part Of: International journal of space science and engineering. Volume 2:Number 2(2014)
• Page Start: 115
• Page End: 134
• Publication Date: 2014-01-01
• Subjects: satellite inspection -- space debris -- mission design -- trajectory design; Space sciences -- Periodicals; Astronautics -- Periodicals; 629.405
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2048-8459

Abstract

This work focuses on two important types of space missions: close-in satellite inspection of LEO/GEO high-value assets to detect and/or resolve anomalies, and LEO/GEO debris disposal missions to reduce space hazards. To demonstrate the efficiency of using reusable SmallSats, two mission architectures are analysed: 1) a SmallSat carrier-based system with an in-space refuelling capability; 2) a traditional carrier-less SmallSat. For each architecture the number of potential SmallSat satellite inspection and debris disposal mission sorties is determined as a function of the required initial launch mass. The analysis shows that reusable SmallSats can efficiently conduct multiple satellite inspection and debris removal sorties. For LEO missions, the carrier-based architecture enables a significantly lower launch mass than the carrier-less system. For GEO missions, the advantages of a carrier-based system are less clear and more mission specific. To accomplish these missions, key enabling SmallSat technologies are identified.