Abstract
In low earth orbits, orbital debris, which has begun to cause significant problems for human space
activities for more than three decades, is divided into two size groups: larger than and smaller than
10 cm. Even though the former is the main source of new debris, the latter can cause catastrophic
damage to spacecrafts. Due to their great number, small debris poses an immediate threat and requires
urgent attention. Since there is a lack of information about the orbits of debris, the author proposed
space debris mitigation scheme using a spaceborne laser system with auto-laser-targeting capability
based on a nonlinear optical phenomenon called optical phase conjugation. We discuss the requirements
of a laser unit and telescope system based on the geometrical characteristics of debris collisions with
satellites.
