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, highlighting the need for effective removal methods [1]. Group 2: Innovative Technology Development - The research team from Tohoku University has proposed and validated an innovative solution that utilizes plasma ejected from satellites to slow down space debris, encouraging it to deorbit and burn up upon re-entry into the atmosphere [1]. - Traditional methods of debris removal often rely on direct contact, which carries the risk of entanglement; however, the new method using plasma propulsion is gaining attention as a promising alternative [1]. Group 3: Technical Advancements - To enhance deceleration efficiency, the team introduced a special magnetic field structure called "tip" to confine the plasma plume and prevent its dispersion, achieving a deceleration force three times greater than previously reported in simulations [2]. - The propulsion system employs inexpensive and abundant argon gas as the propellant, demonstrating good economic viability and practicality for debris removal [2]. - The development of a "bipolar plasma jet type non-electrode plasma thruster" allows for simultaneous plasma ejection in both the direction of the debris and the opposite direction, counteracting recoil and maintaining the stability of the removal satellite [1][2].

【总编辑圈点】 曾有实验室用可视化装置对地球上空的空间碎片进行可视化动态呈现。直观来看，地球仿佛被各种线条 缠绕包裹，太空垃圾可谓密密麻麻。这些太空垃圾迟早会成为大麻烦，清理地球轨道势在必行。此次， 科研人员提出一种新方案，让卫星可在保持自身稳定的同时，发射等离子体，使太空垃圾减速并重返大 气层。这一系统高效、安全，且成本较低，具有可推广性。清理太空垃圾是人类的责任，我们必须以对 未来负责的态度严肃面对这一课题。 研究团队此次提出并验证了一种创新解决方案。该方法通过清除卫星发射的等离子体，减缓太空垃圾运 行速度，促使其脱离轨道并在重返大气层时燃烧殆尽。然而，传统单向喷射会产生强烈反冲，导致清除 卫星偏离目标，削弱减速效果。为此，他们开发出一种"双向等离子体喷射型无电极等离子体推进器"， 可同时向太空垃圾方向和相反方向喷射两股等离子体流，从而抵消反冲力，保持清除卫星稳定。 为增强减速效率，团队还引入名为"尖点"的特殊磁场结构，用以约束等离子体羽流，防止其扩散。在模 拟太空环境的真空管实验中，该系统不仅实现了自我平衡，还使减速力提升至此前研究报道的三倍。 此外，该推进系统采用廉价且丰富的氩气作为工质，具备良好的经 ...