Synopsis
The objective of this research was to understand the operational complexity of large mega-constellation systems, and the potential needs to operate these, including the complexity of collision avoidance manoeuvres (CAMs). This objective was achieved by:
- Assessing different end-of-life strategies for mega-constellations of the size and complexity as foreseen for the future telecommunications applications.
- Analysing the implications on space and ground segment design to support execution of end-of-life activities for each of the strategies identified (from the previous bullet), comparing the different ground and spacecraft conceptual architectures.
- Analysing the execution of both debris and inter-satellite CAMs during LEOP, orbit raising, routine phases and orbit lowering for mega-constellations.
- Deriving system and operational requirements on mega-constellations for end-of-life activities and space debris mitigation.
- Establishing a baseline scenario for an operational concept to handle space debris mitigation for mega-constellations.
