Viability of Electric Propulsion in Smallsats for Active Debris Removal (EPSADR)

View Video Presentation: https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2023-1300.vid The orbital debris field in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) presents space sustainability challenges that threaten future space missions with catastrophic collisions. The deployment of satellite mega-constellations and the continued testing of anti-satellite systems represent new technological developments not anticipated by current disposal rules designed to mitigate the proliferation of orbital debris. Our discussion motivates the severity and urgency of the orbital debris problem and the necessity of active debris removal solutions. We characterize the debris target that is best suited for removal to have the greatest positive impact on the debris problem, explore different disposal options, and evaluate mission viability using performance estimates of state-of-the-art small satellite commercial components. Our analysis shows that the performance of current electric propulsion technology is sufficient for the mission profile of a rideshare suitable small satellite capable of deorbiting debris targets in low Earth orbit and rendezvous for on-orbit servicing and refueling.