Methods of Space Debris Removal in LEO

This paper analyzes modern disposal methods for human-made debris in the lower Earth orbit (LEO). Since the first space race, debris from varying spacecraft has been continuously filling LEO at an exponential rate. Space debris moving at extreme velocities poses a major threat to spacecraft, for pieces as small as 1 mm in diameter can completely compromise functionality on collision. Modern spacecraft have countermeasures for this since pieces smaller than 10 cm can not be detected from the ground, and collision is often unavoidable. Even with state-of-the-art ground tracking and avoidance methods, debris will only increase as satellite mega-constellations begin to emerge and space missions become more frequent. Space debris will remain in orbit indefinitely unless it descends low enough into the atmosphere to burn up; therefore, efficient and reliable disposal methods must be readily available and applicable. This paper will discuss and analyze the challenges of space debris disposal missions, past and current concepts that were institutionally researched to overcome these challenges, and future research applications and mission structures designed to efficiently remove debris from LEO.