IAC-15-A6.5.7 An analysis of critical deployment parameters for tethered-net capturing for space debris removal

Tethered-Net capturing is one of the most promising methods for space debris removal due to its flexibility and compatibility. The net is deployed by projecting four bullets on each corner of the net. Its deploying dynamic behaviour is complicated because of its flexibility and the ability of net capturing is insufficiently understood since both ground and space-based tests are difficult. The objective of this paper is to analyze the net deploying parameters such as the shooting angle and bullet initial velocity for an optimal net deployment. In order to do that, a dynamic model of the net is established using a mass-spring model. The characteristics and criteria to evaluate a net deploying, such as maximum net area, traveling distance and effective period are discussed as well. Following such an analysis, we conclude that the bullet mass and shooting angle are the key parameters which influence the maximum net area; the bullet initial velocity significantly influences the deploy time and effective period, and the shooting angle influences both the maximum area and travelling distance. These findings are considered key contributions to advance net capturing for future space debris removal applications.