It is interesting and instructive to mention one of the seemingly good ideas submitted as an example of how complexity quickly enters the picture and might outweigh the advantages. One idea received from a non-US source suggests orbiting a large number of mirrors or lens that would concentrate the sun's rays on individual debris pieces. If properly done, solar energy would melt and vaporize the debris.

This approach could reduce the size of debris pieces, but increase the total number of pieces in orbit. The underlying advantage is that debris impact with spacecraft would be less damaging and could be mitigated through the use of proper shielding. One disadvantage, however, is that the number of debris pieces in orbit would increase by orders of magnitude.

Ultimately, if all large debris pieces were reduced to microscopic particles, there could be one massive cloud of metallic dust particles engulfing the space near Earth.

This dust cloud could interfere with many sensors on satellites, such as telescopes and star trackers. Metallic particles would scatter sun light that might confuse sensors, but also create depositions on lens. In addition to sensors, other part of satellite could be affected. Solar arrays might be coated or pitted to the point where they may become ineffective in a short period of time.

There are a few other issues that must be considered. Using satellites to focus energy in order to destroy debris, is similar to using satellites to destroy or damage other satellites. The technology and hardware could be categorized as space weaponry, a very sensitive international political issue. Although treaties have not been signed, there have been a number of attempts to ban space weapons.

However, if we assume that this not an issue, there are the cost and complexity concerns. Large mirrors or lens in orbit have to be precisely controlled and steered. Such requirements quickly lead to large spacecraft that have high associated costs, both for development and for operations.

Since debris would have to be dealt with on a one-at-a-time basis, there would have to be many concentrators in orbit, or the process would take decades.

Based on an estimated 10,000 pieces of dangerous debris and assuming each piece would require about 10 days to target and destroy with 10 concentrators in orbit, it might take up to 30 years to reduce significant debris pieces to dust.

At the moment this approach does not seem to be promising. But, the underlying question here is: Can we eliminate space debris without placing weapons in space? We do not want to place weapons in space, but can we avoid it in the process of cleaning up space? And, what are the national security implications of methods for eliminating debris? Launchspace is investigating these issues and more.

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