Theoretical studies on space debris recycling and energy conversion
system in International space station
Abstract
The space debris management and alleviation in the microgravity
environment is a dynamic research theme of contemporary interest.
Herein, we provide a theoretical proof of the concept of a lucrative
energy conversion system that is capable for changing the space debris
into useful powders in the international space station (ISS) for various
bids. A specially designed broom is adapted to collect the space debris
of various sizes. An optical sorting method is proposed for the debris
segregation in the ISS by creating an artificial gravitational field
using frame-dragging or gravitomagnetism. An induction furnace is
facilitated for converting the segregated metal-scrap into liquid metal.
A fuel-cell aided water atomization method is proposed for transforming
the liquid debris into metal powder. The high-energetic metal powders
obtained from the space debris could be employed for producing
propellants for useful aerospace applications, and the silicon powder
obtained could be used for making soil for fostering the
pharmaceutical-flora in the space lab in the future aiming for the
scarce-drug discoveries for high-endurance health care management. The
proposed energy conversion system is a possible alternative for the
space debris extenuation, and its real applications in orbiting
laboratories through the international collaboration for the benefits to
humanity.