Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?

Undergraduate

Project Type

group

Campus

Daytona Beach

Authors' Class Standing

Hunter Dancey (Junior) Diana Sears (Junior) Shelby DeLano (Sophomore) Savanna Box (Sophomore) Christina Reyes (Sophomore) Jose Castelblanco (Sophomore)

Lead Presenter's Name

Hunter Dancey

Faculty Mentor Name

Kimberly Szathmary

Abstract

The ever increasing popularity of space travel brings about important innovative discoveries, however the expanding presence of debris in space poses a threat to the security of Low Earth Orbits. This project aims to address the orbital debris problem through a multifaceted approach. The project will consider unique solutions for debris mitigation and removal, describe current policies that address de-orbiting satellites after their useful life and space traffic management. In addition, it addresses the problem from a technical standpoint including categorizing existing debris and current removal solutions, both successful and not.

Through this project, we hope to enact positive change in local and national space law by proposing orbital debris mitigation and satellite removal policies to governing officials. On the technical side, we will brainstorm ideas for a debris removal concept based on our research of existing solutions, which will eventually lead to a working prototype of our design. Another product of this research is to provide an educational resource on the topic of space debris, bringing light to the problem. The collection of information is ongoing as we continue to learn about existing debris in space.

Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?

No

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Space Debris: The prevention and removal of orbital debris

The ever increasing popularity of space travel brings about important innovative discoveries, however the expanding presence of debris in space poses a threat to the security of Low Earth Orbits. This project aims to address the orbital debris problem through a multifaceted approach. The project will consider unique solutions for debris mitigation and removal, describe current policies that address de-orbiting satellites after their useful life and space traffic management. In addition, it addresses the problem from a technical standpoint including categorizing existing debris and current removal solutions, both successful and not.

Through this project, we hope to enact positive change in local and national space law by proposing orbital debris mitigation and satellite removal policies to governing officials. On the technical side, we will brainstorm ideas for a debris removal concept based on our research of existing solutions, which will eventually lead to a working prototype of our design. Another product of this research is to provide an educational resource on the topic of space debris, bringing light to the problem. The collection of information is ongoing as we continue to learn about existing debris in space.

 

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