Analysis of collision avoidance via ground-based laser momentum transfer

Kurzfassung

There is little potential of action in case of conjunctions where neither chaser nor target can be controlled by spacecraft operators. Nevertheless, potential collisions between such objects pose a significant threat to the space environment. In view of that, some recent studies and developments addressed the concept of momentum transfer (MT) from ground-based lasers for orbit modification and, therefore, collision avoidance. However, achievable velocity increments are highly constrained (pass geometry) and uncertain (object properties, cloud cover, atmospheric turbulence, orbit uncertainty). Therefore, we present and study a probabilistic model for MT-based collision avoidance. In doing so, we derive requirements in terms of laser power, MT success rate, and orbit prediction uncertainty as a function of turbulence compensation capability, time to event, conjunction angle, and area-tomass ratio. Our results demonstrate limitations of the method given currently available technology.