System for tunnel-based capture and propulsive disposal of space debris

A tunnel-based space debris removal system, comprising:

• a tunnel structure having a wide opening at a first end configured to receive space debris, a closed second end, and a curved funnel-shaped portion between the first and second ends;
• a debris detection mechanism comprising radar units positioned along a midsection and nose of the tunnel structure, one or more optical imaging devices including wide-angle and telescopic cameras, and a communication relay unit configured to receive orbital tracking data from ground-based sensor facilities, the debris detection mechanism being configured to determine trajectory and orbital velocity of the space debris;
• a rear-approach capture mechanism operatively coupled to the debris detection mechanism and configured to:
• receive information associated with the trajectory and orbital velocity of the space debris;
• calculate an intercept path of the tunnel structure that matches the trajectory and orbital velocity of the debris;
• and
• control one or more thrusters to position the tunnel structure along the trajectory of the space debris and approach the space debris from behind so as to minimize relative velocity between the space debris and the tunnel structure prior to capture of the space debris in the tunnel structure;
• an orientation control subsystem comprising a plurality of control moment gyroscopes (CMGs) positioned on multiple sides of the tunnel structure, the orientation control subsystem being configured to reorient the tunnel structure toward the determined trajectory of the space debris;
• an electromagnetic tungsten dust brake subsystem comprising:
• a tungsten alloy dust storage container,
• an electromagnetic dispersal unit configured to project tungsten dust into the trajectory of the space debris, and
• an electromagnetic recovery unit configured to recapture dispersed tungsten dust, the dust brake subsystem being configured to reduce velocity of the space debris prior to entry into the curved funnel-shaped portion;
• a multi-layer deceleration and capture assembly disposed downstream of the first end, wherein the multi-layer deceleration and capture assembly comprises:
• an electromagnetic foil dispenser configured to wrap the space debris with a foil, and
• a collision box having a closed rear wall towards the second end of the tunnel structure and configured to bring the space debris wrapped with the foil to a complete stop upon impact;
• a hydraulic compaction mechanism positioned adjacent to the collision box and configured to compress the stopped space debris into dense pellets;
• an ejection subsystem configured to direct the dense pellets in a selected direction for disposal or to generate propulsion, the ejection subsystem comprising at least one launch device and a mounting arrangement allowing adjustment of an ejection trajectory of the dense pellets;
• and
• a power subsystem comprising solar panels mounted on an exterior surface of the tunnel structure and energy storage devices integrated with the tunnel structure, the power subsystem being configured to provide operating power to the debris detection mechanism, the orientation control subsystem, the electromagnetic tungsten dust brake subsystem, the multi-layer deceleration and capture assembly, the hydraulic compaction mechanism, and the ejection subsystem.