Use of Modular Small Spacecraft Architectures To Enable Space Traffic Management and Tackle the Emerging Space Debris Crisis

Abstract

Technological advancements have led to the miniaturization of electronics, sensors, actuators,and power systems, spurring a revolution in small satellites. However, small satellites are operating in increasingly crowded orbits. The problem, if left unchecked, could turn into the Kessler Syndrome, in which waves of space debris interact, ultimately blocking access to space. Here, we analyze novel organizational strategies and architectures for orbiting small satellites to address the critical challenges of space traffic management. Our strategies are inspired by biological systems, namely eusocial insects, where individuals are low-cost, disposable, and interchangeable. However, scaling up to a network of these satellites is expected to produce something more than the sum of their parts. We hypothesize that through effective space traffic management strategies, we can effectively control traffic flow so that it avoids growth and ultimately removes space debris and effectively utilizes Earth orbits for all. Our novel approach leverages orbits to build robust space platforms that are well designed to handle changing needs, unexpected accidents/losses and enable both extensibility and scalability.

In this approach, we impose a fundamental set of space traffic rules. These rules govern The direction of spacecraft/satellite movement. Individual orbits would be designated as uni-directional (single set of direction lanes), with satellites allowed to travel and perform directional maneuvers in the direction of Earth’s rotation.Further, with the development of lanes, we impose rules regarding changing lanes by satellite and various modes of collision avoidance. In support of these orbit lanes, we will have a series of space platforms that will interact with the orbiting satellites. The space platforms can be used to assemble a series of satellites into a space station and more.

In our approach, we develop a space platform network that coordinates their actions in a common orbit. The space platforms serve many roles: one is to operate reconfigurable robotic space stations; another is to serve as a platform to collect and process space debris. Another task we envision could be to perform network astronomical observation and even Earth observation. The space platform is composed of parallel rail tracks that permit connecting, reordering, and storing multiple small satellites in whole new configurations rapidly. To demonstrate the concept, we develop a series of software simulation environments that demonstrates (i) assembly/reassembly of robotic space stations, (ii) facilitating the orderly movement of satellites through an organized traffic management system, (iii) facilitating removal of space debris and shows the whole approach is (iv) scalable to a number of satellites and (v) is extensible to the latest technology and rapid upgrades to satellites and space stations.