Dynamic response of pulsed laser-irradiated space debris

Abstract

High-velocity small-sized space debris with a diameter of 1–10 cm can cause huge damage to orbiting satellites and spacecraft. In recent years, the technology of actively removing small-sized space debris by high-energy pulsed laser irradiation has attracted widespread attention from scholars around the world, who strive for giving the maximum protection to the safety of the low-earth orbit environment. This paper focuses on exploring the dynamic behavior of centimeter-sized space debris under space-based pulsed laser irradiation. For this purpose, a fluid-structure-thermal-plasma multiphysics coupling model is built for space debris, and the effect law of plasma plumes produced by space debris after laser irradiation at different time is drawn. The simulation and measurement results are compared for analysis, verifying the validity and reliability of the proposed method and the built simulation model. The findings of this study are expected to provide an important theoretical reference and guidance for the research on the application of pulsed lasers to the active removal of centimeter-sized space debris.