太空垃圾清理
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宇宙“保洁”有新招:新型推进器实现非接触清除太空垃圾
Ke Ji Ri Bao· 2025-09-16 04:07
Core Viewpoint - The increasing risk of collisions due to space debris threatens satellite operations and space missions, prompting the development of a new non-contact, efficient debris removal technology by a Japanese research team [1][2]. Group 1: Space Debris Issue - The problem of space debris is becoming severe, with numerous defunct satellites, rocket remnants, and tiny fragments traveling at speeds exceeding that of bullets, posing significant threats to active satellites and spacecraft [1]. - The uncontrolled debris significantly increases the risk of sustainable human activities in space, necessitating effective removal solutions [1]. Group 2: Innovative Technology Development - The research team has proposed and validated a novel solution that utilizes plasma ejected from satellites to slow down space debris, encouraging it to re-enter the atmosphere and burn up [1][2]. - Traditional single-direction plasma ejection generates strong recoil, which can destabilize the removal satellite; thus, a "bidirectional plasma jet non-electrode plasma thruster" has been developed to counteract this recoil and maintain stability [1][2]. Group 3: Efficiency and Economic Viability - To enhance deceleration efficiency, a special magnetic field structure called "spike" has been introduced to confine the plasma plume and prevent its dispersion, achieving a deceleration force three times greater than previous studies [2]. - The propulsion system uses inexpensive and abundant argon gas as the propellant, demonstrating good economic feasibility and practicality [2].