Adaptive Deployable Structure Enabled by Actively Controlled Tensegrity for Space Debris Removal

Abstract The Earth's orbital environment is increasingly congested with space debris, posing a substantial risk to space operations and safety. Current mitigation strategies are primarily tailored to either small debris, through protective devices, or large debris, via spacecraft deorbiting met...

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Main Authors: Endong Shang, Ao Li, Md Shariful Islam, Li‐Yuan Zhang, Changyong (Chase) Cao
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2025-04-01
Series:Advanced Science
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202408617
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author Endong Shang
Ao Li
Md Shariful Islam
Li‐Yuan Zhang
Changyong (Chase) Cao
author_facet Endong Shang
Ao Li
Md Shariful Islam
Li‐Yuan Zhang
Changyong (Chase) Cao
author_sort Endong Shang
collection DOAJ
description Abstract The Earth's orbital environment is increasingly congested with space debris, posing a substantial risk to space operations and safety. Current mitigation strategies are primarily tailored to either small debris, through protective devices, or large debris, via spacecraft deorbiting methods, leaving medium‐sized debris (0.4–10 cm) as a significant unaddressed threat. This study introduces an innovative adaptive deployable structure, utilizing actively controlled tensegrity, designed specifically for the removal of medium debris. The basic configuration and deployment process of the structure is detailed, followed by an analysis of key structural parameters affecting its folding and deployment performance. Additionally, the load‐bearing capacity and impact resistance of the structure when integrated with a mesh fabric are evaluated. The optimal parameters and morphology for effective debris removal are identified, culminating in the construction of a 1:20 scale prototype for experimental validation. This structure not only adapts its configuration based on operational needs but also withstands impacts from space debris, thereby playing a crucial role in enhancing orbital safety.
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issn 2198-3844
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publishDate 2025-04-01
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spelling doaj-art-352b8a300683477288454385ca209fcb2025-08-20T03:05:25ZengWileyAdvanced Science2198-38442025-04-011214n/an/a10.1002/advs.202408617Adaptive Deployable Structure Enabled by Actively Controlled Tensegrity for Space Debris RemovalEndong Shang0Ao Li1Md Shariful Islam2Li‐Yuan Zhang3Changyong (Chase) Cao4School of Mechanical Engineering University of Science and Technology Beijing Beijing 100083 ChinaSchool of Mechanical Engineering University of Science and Technology Beijing Beijing 100083 ChinaLaboratory for Soft Machines and Electronics Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Case Western Reserve University Cleveland OH 44106 USASchool of Mechanical Engineering University of Science and Technology Beijing Beijing 100083 ChinaLaboratory for Soft Machines and Electronics Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Case Western Reserve University Cleveland OH 44106 USAAbstract The Earth's orbital environment is increasingly congested with space debris, posing a substantial risk to space operations and safety. Current mitigation strategies are primarily tailored to either small debris, through protective devices, or large debris, via spacecraft deorbiting methods, leaving medium‐sized debris (0.4–10 cm) as a significant unaddressed threat. This study introduces an innovative adaptive deployable structure, utilizing actively controlled tensegrity, designed specifically for the removal of medium debris. The basic configuration and deployment process of the structure is detailed, followed by an analysis of key structural parameters affecting its folding and deployment performance. Additionally, the load‐bearing capacity and impact resistance of the structure when integrated with a mesh fabric are evaluated. The optimal parameters and morphology for effective debris removal are identified, culminating in the construction of a 1:20 scale prototype for experimental validation. This structure not only adapts its configuration based on operational needs but also withstands impacts from space debris, thereby playing a crucial role in enhancing orbital safety.https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202408617active controladaptive configurationdeployable structurespace debristensegrity
spellingShingle Endong Shang
Ao Li
Md Shariful Islam
Li‐Yuan Zhang
Changyong (Chase) Cao
Adaptive Deployable Structure Enabled by Actively Controlled Tensegrity for Space Debris Removal
Advanced Science
active control
adaptive configuration
deployable structure
space debris
tensegrity
title Adaptive Deployable Structure Enabled by Actively Controlled Tensegrity for Space Debris Removal
title_full Adaptive Deployable Structure Enabled by Actively Controlled Tensegrity for Space Debris Removal
title_fullStr Adaptive Deployable Structure Enabled by Actively Controlled Tensegrity for Space Debris Removal
title_full_unstemmed Adaptive Deployable Structure Enabled by Actively Controlled Tensegrity for Space Debris Removal
title_short Adaptive Deployable Structure Enabled by Actively Controlled Tensegrity for Space Debris Removal
title_sort adaptive deployable structure enabled by actively controlled tensegrity for space debris removal
topic active control
adaptive configuration
deployable structure
space debris
tensegrity
url https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202408617
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AT aoli adaptivedeployablestructureenabledbyactivelycontrolledtensegrityforspacedebrisremoval
AT mdsharifulislam adaptivedeployablestructureenabledbyactivelycontrolledtensegrityforspacedebrisremoval
AT liyuanzhang adaptivedeployablestructureenabledbyactivelycontrolledtensegrityforspacedebrisremoval
AT changyongchasecao adaptivedeployablestructureenabledbyactivelycontrolledtensegrityforspacedebrisremoval