1 www.upm.es

IBIS: Ensuring a safe exploitation of space

An all-in-one software for the design of

Active Space Debris Removal missions

using plasma beams

Universidad Politécnica de Madrid

Madrid, December 3th 2014

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The Space Debris Problem

Though it might seem like sci-fi, Space Debris is a real threat!

Gravity (2013), movie trailer by Warner Bros.

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The Space Debris Problem

The population of Space Debris is rapidly growing

Courtesy of the European Space Agency

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The Space Debris Problem

There are 6000 tons of Space Debris

Courtesy of the European Space Agency

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The Space Debris Problem

Courtesy of theLawrence LivermoreNational Laboratory

Iridium 33 and Cosmos 2251 Collision Simulation (2009)

On average, there

is one collision

every 10 years

Each collision

creates thousands

of fragments of

new Space Debris

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Market Potential

During the next decade:

Over 1000 new satellites will be put in orbit

Estimated manufacturing + launching costs of 150 billion €

A satellite collision results in economical & operational losses that may

be worth hundreds of millions of €

Even with no new launches, space debris will continue increasing

due to new collisions

Lethal threat for astronauts and crewed space missions

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Space Debris Mitigation

Space agencies have issued recommendations to:

deorbit future satellites in a reasonable time (25 years)

How do we mitigate Space Debris?

Passive Space Debris Removal

What about the current Space Debris population?

It has to be mitigated too…

Active Space Debris Removal

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Active Space Debris Removal

Some proposed methods

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Technological Solution

Ion Beam Shepherd

The Ion Beam

Shepherd

Concept

Advantages:

Contactless

More efficient

Based on

mature and

space-certified

technology

Patented by UPM (P201030354)

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Technological Solution

Ion Beam Shepherd

Orbital Dynamics

AttitudeDynamics

RelativeOrbital Motion

SpaceElectric

Propulsion

Plasma Physics Ion-Thrusters

Hall EffectThrustersPlasma

PlumeExpansions

SurfaceSputtering

Plasma - BodyInteraction

Astrionics

SpaceSensors & Actuators

Space VehicleDesign

Guidance, Navigation& Control Numerical

Methods

The Ion Beam

Shepherd

Concept

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Technological Solution

Ion Beam Shepherd

Orbital Dynamics

AttitudeDynamics

RelativeOrbital Motion

SpaceElectric

Propulsion

Plasma Physics Ion-Thrusters

Hall EffectThrustersPlasma

PlumeExpansions

SurfaceSputtering

Plasma - BodyInteraction

Astrionics

SpaceSensors & Actuators

Space VehicleDesign

Guidance, Navigation& Control Numerical

Methods

Equipo de Propulsión Espacial y Plasmas

Grupo de Dinámica Espacial - UPM

12 www.upm.es

Technological Solution

Ion Beam Interaction Simulator (IBIS)

Orbital Dynamics

AttitudeDynamics

RelativeOrbital Motion

SpaceElectric

Propulsion

Plasma Physics Ion-Thrusters

Hall EffectThrustersPlasma

PlumeExpansions

SurfaceSputtering

Plasma - BodyInteraction

Astrionics

SpaceSensors & Actuators

Space VehicleDesign

Guidance, Navigation& Control Numerical

Methods

IBIS:

Ion Beam

Interaction

Software

13 www.upm.es

Technological Solution

Ion Beam Interaction Simulator (IBIS)

IBIS:

Ion Beam

Interaction

Software

IBIS is a highly advanced numerical simulation tool oriented to the end-to-end

design and analysis of Active Space Debris

Removal missions using an Ion Beam Shepherd

IBIS incorporates algorithms and features matured throughout many years of active development.

Built upon the expertise of over20 years of research in the Technical University of Madrid

Data IO and visualization of results are integrated within a functional user interface

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Next Steps for Commercialization

Business Model

The CORE components of IBIS are already developed

Additional features and extensions would be mission-specific,

so no need for extraordinary funding is expected

Part of the algorithms has been published

However, some key aspects remain in secrecy

IBIS is currently in register process

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Next Steps for Commercialization

Business Model

But who might need such a mission design & analysis tool?

Space Agencies

Aerospace companies

Research groups

Limited number of potential

customers suggests a per-client

approach

Client-specific customization

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Team and References

Equipo de Propulsión Espacial y PlasmasGrupo de Dinámica Espacial - UPM

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Team and References

Equipo de Propulsión Espacial y PlasmasGrupo de Dinámica Espacial - UPM

Key Collaborators:

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Team and References

Equipo de Propulsión Espacial y PlasmasGrupo de Dinámica Espacial - UPM

Related Research Projects:

ARIADNA Research Project (4000101447/10/NL/CBi)

European Space Agency (2010)

IBSIOD Research Project (AO 1-7359/12/NL/AF)

European Space Agency (2013)

LEOSWEEP Research Project (Grant Agreement nº 607457)

European Commission 7th Framework Programme (2013)

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Contact

Hodei Urrutxua

Space Dynamics Group / E.T.S.I. Aeronáuticos

hodei.urrutxua@upm.es

Universidad Politécnica de Madrid