Abstract
Space debris removal using laser (Laser Debris Removal (LDR)) is a promising method for the removal of debris smaller than 100mm. LDR utilizes the thrust generated by laser ablation. In previous studies, the thrust was measured using pendulums, so thermally and mechanically isolated environments like space debris were not reproduced. To measure the thrust with high resolution and low noise in a debris-like environment, we developed an Electrostatic Levitator (ESL), which electrostatically levitates metal samples and irradiates laser beams. By combining a real-time controllable high-speed camera with image processing methods, positions of a circular sample with 1 mm radius are detected by the 1 μm and levitated within an error of 5μm. As the result of which a levitated aluminum sphere was irradiated with a pulsed laser beam, the sphere exhibited a damped oscillation in the horizontal direction. By fitting the oscillation with the motion of a spring-mass-damper system, the average thrust force generated on the sphere was estimated as 8.0×10−7N.
