Alexander Mortimer

Blackpool and the Fylde College | | Degree: BEng (Hons) Mechanical
The Low Orbit Kinetic Interceptor (LOKI)

Abstract

In 1978, Donald J Kessler and Burton Cour-Palais wrote a paper in which they described the way an in-orbit collision could have a devastating cascading affect, where the volume of orbital debris within orbit would become so dense that space faring missions would be impossible. This was later known as the Kessler Syndrome. As of the 22nd of December 2022, The European Space Agency (ESA) have calculated that there is currently more than 10,700 Tonnes of mass already within orbit around the Earth, and with an ever-expanding space industry, the likelihood of a Kessler Syndrome scenario occurring is becoming more likely. The Low Orbit Kinetic Interceptor (LOKI) is a new concept for a satellite, designed personally, with the intended capabilities of removing the smallest, most problematic pieces of debris (1 - 10cm in diameter). By using an internal rotary system of collection ports, the system could collect up to 840 pieces of debris with a width or diameter of 10cm. By combining this system with an in-orbit collection point, where debris can be stored for future use, LOKI could begin a necessary clean up procedure within low Earth orbit, before any serious collisions can occur, and before the implementation of on-orbit maintenance systems.

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Alexander Mortimer