Envisioning an Optimal Network of Space-Based Lasers for Orbital Debris Remediation

Abstract: The significant expansion of the orbital debris population poses a serious threat to the safety and sustainability of space operations. This paper investigates orbital debris remediation through a network of collaborative space-based lasers, leveraging the principle of momentum transfer onto debris via laser ablation. A novel delta-v vector analysis framework quantifies the cumulative effects of multiple concurrent laser-to-debris (L2D) engagements, utilizing the vector composition of the imparted delta-v vectors. The paper formulates the Concurrent Location-Scheduling Problem (CLSP) to optimize the placement of laser platforms and the scheduling of L2D engagements, aiming to maximize debris remediation capacity. Given the computational intractability of the CLSP, a decomposition strategy is employed, yielding two sequential subproblems: (1) determining optimal laser platform locations via the Maximal Covering Location Problem, and (2) scheduling L2D engagements using a novel integer linear programming approach to maximize debris remediation capacity. Computational experiments evaluate the efficacy of the proposed framework across diverse mission scenarios, demonstrating critical network functions such as collaborative and controlled nudging, deorbiting, and just-in-time collision avoidance. A sensitivity analysis further explores the impact of varying the number and distribution of laser platforms on debris remediation capacity, offering insights into optimizing the performance of space-based laser networks.