EDDE, Electrodynamic Debris Eliminator: New frontiers in space traffic management

Jerome Pearson*, Eugene Levin, John Oldson, Joseph Carroll

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

The ElectroDynamic Debris Eliminator (EDDE) is a solar-powered propellantless space vehicle that can change its altitude by hundreds of kilometers per day and its orbital plane by degrees per day. It can thrust constantly, producing hundreds of kilometers per second delta-V in years of active maneuvering. A dozen EDDE vehicles could remove all of the 2,500 dangerous debris objects over 2 kg from LEO orbits in less than 7 years and make LEO much safer for the operational spacecraft. To support operations of new kinds of space vehicles like EDDE, space traffic management must be taken to a new level, because these vehicles have to constantly maneuver between the orbits of multiple operational satellites and debris objects, making the space traffic picture very dynamic. Flight tests are planned to demonstrate orbit changes and to evaluate and improve tracking, navigation and control methods.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 4th IAASS Conference - Making Safety Matter
StatePublished - 2010
Externally publishedYes
Event4th IAASS Conference 'Making Safety Matter' - Huntsville, AL, United States
Duration: 19 May 201021 May 2010

Publication series

NameEuropean Space Agency, (Special Publication) ESA SP
Volume680 SP
ISSN (Print)0379-6566

Conference

Conference4th IAASS Conference 'Making Safety Matter'
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityHuntsville, AL
Period19/05/1021/05/10

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