Space debris removing device and space debris removing method

摘要

Provided are a space debris removing device and a method which enable easy installation of a deceleration device to space debris undergoing a tumbling motion. The space debris removing device includes: a propulsion device (3) for performing approach and attitude control on target debris (1); a capture device (4) having a harpoon (41) which can be ejected toward the target debris (1); an observation device (5) for calculating a capture position (E) and a capture attitude at which the harpoon (41) can be driven into a tank (11) (hollow portion) of the target debris (1) by observing a motion of the target debris (1); a deceleration device (6) directly or indirectly connected to the harpoon (41), for decelerating the target debris (1); and a body part (21) on which the propulsion device (3), the capture device (4), the observation device (5), and the deceleration device (6) are mounted.

主权项

1. A space debris removing device which removes space debris undergoing an irregular tumbling motion from an orbit by capturing and decelerating the space debris, comprising:
a propulsion device for performing approach and attitude control to target debris which is the space debris to be removed; a capture device having a harpoon which can be ejected toward the target debris; an observation device for observing a motion of the target debris and calculating a capture position and a capture attitude at which the harpoon can be driven into a hollow portion of the target debris; a deceleration device directly or indirectly connected to the harpoon, for decelerating the target debris; and a body part on which the propulsion device, the capture device, the observation device and the deceleration device are mounted, wherein the harpoon includes a pointed end part having a barb part that can be locked to the target debris, a stopper part to be in contact with a surface of the target debris, a thrust generation part for ejecting the harpoon, a wire for connecting the harpoon to the body part and an elastic body disposed so as to cover the pointed end part on a front surface of the stopper part, and by compressing the elastic body between the target debris surface and the stopper part when the pointed end part is locked to the target debris, scattering of broken pieces generated when the harpoon passes through is suppressed.