Bi-Objective Optimal Mission Planning for Active Debris Removal with Refueling

Active Debris Removal (ADR) is critical to prevent the continued growth of debris, with an annual removal rate of at least five debris to stabilize the debris population in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). This study addresses the removal of rocket bodies in Sun Synchronous Orbit (SSO) regions using the orbital transfer vehicle (OTV) equipped with de-orbit kits, and supported by a space logistics mission including on-orbit refueling and resupply to prolong OTV’s lifetime. The ant colony optimization is employed to optimize the removal sequence for a removal mission of 25 and 35 debris. The sequences are evaluated across multiple OTV designs, the resulting Paretooptimal solutions in mission time and propellant mass reveal the performance and efficiencies in propellant consumption of each design. The results provide valuable insights for mission designs to balance the fuel capacity and the servicing frequency, guiding more efficient and sustainable ADR mission planning.