New Hybrid Net-Membrane Concept Proposed for Debris Removal

• Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China have proposed a "net-membrane" system to capture and deorbit space debris.
• The system uses a flexible, multi-layered membrane equipped with electronics, batteries, and Shape-Memory Alloys (SMAs) to securely wrap around and hold target debris.
• Designed for reusability, the membrane is intended to fold back into a chaser satellite after completing a deorbit maneuver, allowing for multiple debris removal missions.

Technical Operation

• A chaser satellite deploys the membrane by firing four bullets, one at each corner of the net, at an optimal 30-degree angle to unfurl it around the target.
• SMAs maintain the membrane's shape and tension during the deorbiting process, which eventually leads to the debris burning up in Earth's atmosphere.
• Researchers modeled the complex system using the Multiparticle Method (MPM), representing the membrane as a grid of masses connected by spring-dampers to simulate physical deformation.

Simulation Findings and Caveats

• Simulations highlighted that deployment distance significantly impacts mechanical stress; increasing distance from 2m to 3m reduces experienced force from 3,374N to approximately half.
• The current 10-micron thick design faces significant mechanical challenges, particularly given the material must endure high forces while housing complex internal layers.
• Theoretical models currently omit environmental factors like solar radiation pressure and atmospheric resistance, which are critical to real-world orbital debris capture performance.
• Practical deployment remains years or decades away, with other solutions like robotic arms and magnetic plates continuing parallel development.