Demonstrating a new technology for space debris removal using a bi-directional plasma t... - 2 views
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jaihobah on 01 Oct 18Some people answering the question 'What's cooler than blasting space debris with lasers...?'.
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Marcus Maertens on 03 Oct 18If it fires in both directions, can we align it such that it deorbits two debris with one shot?
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Dario Izzo on 05 Oct 18:) the idea of having this method for debris removal is actually an ACT one from Claudio Bombardelli (ACT RF in MAD https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ion-beam_shepherd). This is just a technological device to implement it so that the system on board is simplified (i.e. instead of two engines, you get away with one and a weird nozzle) Marcus, you cannot align it to get rid of two debris as you need to keep the spacecraft close to the debris as this is a long duration acion. One of the two would drift away (can only follow one!)