Scientists are Developing a Sci-Fi-Like Tractor Beam to Clear Up Space Junk
According to a press statement, a group of engineers from the University of Colorado Boulder is creating a machine that draws inspiration from the tractor beams depicted in science fiction films. These engineers suggest that tractor beams, often seen in popular franchises like Star Trek and Star Wars, could soon become a reality. They propose that such beams could be utilized to remove space debris from Earth’s orbit.
The Engineers Are Currently Working On An Initial Design Concept For A “Virtual Tether” System
They assert that this system could potentially relocate objects weighing several tons to different orbits. The practical applications of this technology include moving non-functional satellites to higher graveyard orbits or safely guiding them back into Earth’s atmosphere for a controlled reentry.
As mentioned in the press statement, the major limitation of their tractor beam technology is its relatively slow movement speed. Over a period of two to three months, the technology can only achieve a fair distance of 200 miles. Hanspeter Schaub, the chair of the aerospace engineering department at the University of Colorado Boulder, acknowledged in the statement that while the technology bears some resemblance to the powerful tractor beams depicted in “Star Trek,” it falls significantly short in terms of strength.
To advance their concept, known as the “electrostatic tractor,” the researchers are employing a sizable vacuum chamber to recreate space conditions. This simulation serves the purpose of demonstrating the feasibility and functionality of the technology.
In theory, the device has the capability to emit a stream of electrons toward space debris from a distance ranging between approximately 50 to 90 feet. As a result, the debris would acquire a negative charge, while the device itself would obtain a positive charge.
This electrostatic interaction between the charged debris and the device would gradually generate an attractive force, causing the space junk to undergo movement. The underlying principle is comparable to how static electricity from a balloon can make a person’s hair stand on end.
Julian Hammerl, an aerospace engineer from CU Boulder involved in the research, explained that this attractive force allows for the removal of debris without any physical contact. He referred to it as a “virtual tether” since it acts as a pulling mechanism.
The Concept Of A Tractor Beam Has The Potential To Address The Issue Of Space Debris In Earth’s Orbit
Schaub emphasized the significance of the problem by comparing the high geosynchronous orbit (GEO) to the prestigious neighborhood of Bel Air, stating that it is running out of space. GEO refers to an orbit where satellites can maintain a fixed position by rotating at the same speed as Earth.
A major challenge in cleaning up space debris is its high velocity as it orbits Earth, making it hazardous and difficult to capture using spacecraft that come into direct contact with the debris.
Kaylee Champion, one of the researchers involved in the CU Boulder project, stressed the danger of physical contact with objects in space, explaining that they move at high speeds and often unpredictably.
Given these challenges, the electrostatic tractor concept presents an appealing solution to the growing space debris problem. However, for it to be truly effective, scientists will need to enhance its speed, especially considering the expectations set by its highly efficient science fiction counterpart.
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