Dynamic Modeling of a Net-Membrane Capture System with Combined Deformation for Space Debris Removal

The rapid increase in space debris occupies valuable orbital resources and poses an important threat to spacecraft safety. Active debris removal technology is currently the most effective method to mitigate the growth of space debris. This paper presents a novel active debris removal approach using a net-membrane capture system. A numerical framework is developed to predict the system’s dynamic behavior, which consists of 4 key phases: shooting, deployment, contact, and wrapping. The membrane dynamics are modeled using the multiparticle method, which accurately simulates combined deformations such as stretching, shearing, and bending. The influence of initial shooting parameters on membrane deployment behavior is explored through simulations. Collision forces, including normal contact and friction, are modeled based on continuous contact theory and Coulomb’s law. Through simulations, the net-membrane capture system’s ability to capture both spinning debris and debris of various shapes is verified. Additionally, optimal shooting parameters are determined, which provide valuable guidance for the design of the shooting mechanism.