Stop Rotation of Debris by Laser Ablation

In orbit around Earth, rocket stage and old satellites, so-called “space debris” are tracked.　Since orbits of debris overlap with other spacecraft, debris may collide with operational spacecraft and damage them.

In our Laboratory, technique of deorbiting debris by laser ablation is studied. To demonstrate validity of impulse made by laser ablation to debris motion, we attempt to stop rotation of miniature spacecraft model by laser. With laser ablation, rotation of model is decelerated more quickly than without laser ablation.