Design Optimization of Space Debris Decend Trajectory Considering Land Security by Evolutionary Calculation

Abstract

Space debris is artifacts that are dumped into orbit at the end of satellite operations or at the time of rocket launch, and is increasing in number as space exploration becomes more active. Since space debris poses a risk of collision in orbit during the launch of new spacecraft, studies on debris disposal have been active. In addition, orbit design is required so that debris can be disposed of at sea, avoiding land, where unburned debris can cause human and material damage due to the possibility of falling debris. In particular, since space debris has lost its own control capabilities, it is important to optimize the transition of the orbit up to the time of re-entry. Since the trajectory design problem is highly nonlinear, the application of metaheuristics is promising. In this study, we present the results of an attempt to minimize the hazard by using evolutionary computation to evaluate the ground hazard (distance to coastlines) from the orbit transition to the arrival at the earth’s surface through simulation.