From Design to Deorbit: A Solar-Electric Autonomous Module for Multi-Debris Remediation

Abstract

The escalating accumulation of orbital debris threatens the sustainability of space operations, necessitating active removal solutions that overcome the limitations of current fuel-dependent methods. To address this, this study introduces a novel remediation architecture that integrates a mechanical clamping system for secure capture with a high-efficiency, solar-powered NASA Evolutionary Xenon Thruster (NEXT) and autonomous navigation protocols. High-fidelity simulations validate the architecture's capabilities, demonstrating a successful retrograde deorbit from 800 km to 100 km, <10m position Root Mean Square Errors (RMSE) via radar-based Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) navigation, and a 93\% data delivery efficiency within 1 second using Delay/Disruption Tolerant Network (DTN) protocols. This approach significantly advances orbital management by establishing a benchmark for renewable solar propulsion that minimizes reliance on conventional fuels and extends mission longevity for multi-target removal.