Dual-head electromagnetic variable sweeping speed space broom for space debris mitigation

Abstract

The conceptual design of a dual-head electromagnetic variable speed propulsion system for sweeping the space debris using a space broom with inverted pendulum mechanism is described. The design demonstrates its capability for producing continuously the reciprocating moment of a magnetic piston using a Polarity Changer Timing Circuit (PCTC). The space broom is connected to the magnetic piston through a pivot point, with bearing and angular potentiometer, using cart and pole swing-up mechanism. The sweeping speed of the space broom can be altered, according to the mission requirements, by altering the reciprocating speed of the magnetic piston by varying the pole strengths of the magnetic heads and the timing of the PCTC. We observed that the dual-head electromagnetic variable speed propulsion system can offer various other applications for devising the sub-systems for space exploration probes, planet impact spinning probe, space stations and satellites. The uniqueness of this system comes from the fact that at the propelling conditions the system can be effectively integrated with a connecting rod and a crank shaft for getting rotary motion for various systems and subsystems applications while sweeping the broom continuously for space debris mitigation. We concluded that the design optimization of a dual-head electromagnetic variable sweeping speed space broom is a meaningful objective for space debris mitigation lucratively.