Contactless capture and removal of space debris using electromagnetic induction

Abstract

A new method of contactless removal of space debris using electromagnetic induction is considered. The method works on the basis of Faraday’s law of induction and Lenz’s law. This paper focuses on the development of a method for capturing electrically conductive debris in order to transfer it to a separate orbit, such as the graveyard orbit. The concept is that a hypothetical toroidal coil generates a sufficiently strong magnetic field when an electric current is applied, which is implemented on the moving debris. The orbital dynamics of space debris is studied using numerical simulations. The applicability of the idea is discussed based on simulations, and strategies for improvement and further study are considered.