The Remora RemoverTM: a zero-debris method for on-demand disposal of unwanted LEO spacecraft

We propose combining an electrodynamic tether drag device with a small satellite rendezvous vehicle to create a cost-effective method for removing spent or adversarial spacecraft and large pieces of space debris from orbit without generating additional debris. An electrodynamic tether drag device can deorbit a spacecraft from most LEO orbits within several months. Because it does not require propellant or input power, such a device has very low mass requirements, and thus can be delivered to a target satellite by a small and relatively inexpensive launch system. We develop a system-level design for the “Remora Remover^TM,” a device which will combine a Terminator Tether^TM deorbit device with a Secondary Payload Orbital Transfer Vehicle (SPOTV) to provide a low-cost capability for on-demand spacecraft disposal. For most target spacecraft, the Remora Remover^TM could mass as little as 50 kg. We also present results of simulations of satellite deorbit using the electrodynamic drag device as well as simulations of deployment of the tether