International Space Station: Title of Your Specific Project Name Address ASTE 527 December 15, 2009 USC Edward Nicoloso ASTE 527 December 15, 2009 Debris Mitigation System and New Service Module U T I L I Z A T I O N E V O L U T I O N LIFE-EXTENSION

Overview Problems and Failures in Space Debris Mitigation System The New Service Module USC U T I L I Z A T I O N E V O L U T I O N LIFE-EXTENSION

Problems and Failures in Space A Triple-Redundant Space Station Computer –Controls the station’s orientation and manages oxygen production –A dehumidifier exhausted moisture-laden air onto the power boxes for the system –The entire system shut down, proving that this triple- redundant system has single point failures. USC U T I L I Z A T I O N E V O L U T I O N LIFE-EXTENSION

Problems and Failures in Space Control Moment Gyros (CMG) –When the Gyros are completely saturated thrusters are used to take away the saturation. –Two of the four Gyros have failed multiple times, causing them to use more fuel with thrusters USC U T I L I Z A T I O N E V O L U T I O N LIFE-EXTENSION

Problems and Failures in Space Fire on Mir –A leak in the Solid-Fuel Oxygen canisters caused a chemical reaction in the canister and turned it into a giant blow torch. –The fire blocked an emergency escape on one of the Soyuz Spacecraft. –These oxygen canisters are being used on ISS and a fire would again block an emergency escape into one of the Soyuz capsules. USC U T I L I Z A T I O N E V O L U T I O N LIFE-EXTENSION

Problems and Failures in Space Collision with Progress on Mir –Wires had to be cut so the crew work close hatches. This meant that the astronauts and cosmonauts had to work in the dark. USC U T I L I Z A T I O N E V O L U T I O N LIFE-EXTENSION

Problems and Failures in Space Micrometeorites and Orbital Debris –There have already been close calls where orbital debris could have significantly damaged the station. –A bullet-sized hole, caused by a meteorite, was found on the protective panels. –ISS Debris Avoidance Maneuvers(DAM) are both time and fuel consuming USC U T I L I Z A T I O N E V O L U T I O N LIFE-EXTENSION

Problems and Failures in Space Orbital Debris Statistics –17,300 artificial orbiting objects of 10 centimeters or larger are being tracked –Estimated 500,000 smaller fragments in orbit –Amount of space debris has risen by 40% in the past four years Protective panels can only withstand collisions with debris up to 1 cm in size USC (Data from the Space Surveillance Network ) U T I L I Z A T I O N E V O L U T I O N LIFE-EXTENSION

Debris Mitigation System All Gas-Phase Iodine Laser (AGIL) –All chemicals are in the gaseous phase, making them lighter and easier to work with in microgravity. –AGIL uses a reaction of Chlorine atoms with gaseous hydrazoic acid, resulting in excited molecules of nitrogen chlorine, which then passes their energy to the iodine atoms. The iodine atoms then emit the laser radiation. Alternatively, CO2 Laser –Operating at 10.6microns, not attenuated by atmosphere USC U T I L I Z A T I O N E V O L U T I O N LIFE-EXTENSION

Debris Mitigation System Study-1 USC U T I L I Z A T I O N E V O L U T I O N LIFE-EXTENSION

Debris Mitigation System Location: –Connected to the Zvezda module, where the Science Power Platform would have been located. Function: –Used to deflect orbital debris and micrometeorites up to 10cm in size away from the space station –Powered by a battery and separate solar panel system from the rest of the station. USC U T I L I Z A T I O N E V O L U T I O N LIFE-EXTENSION

ISS DMS-Merits and Limitations Merits –Space based system is more effective –Uses Space Science Platform Hooks and scars –Quick to deploy –Use to eliminate direct threats to ISS as well as deorbit debris in ISS/LEO orbital regime. Limitations – Could be misconstrued as space-based weapon –Coordination with ISS Board needed for use –Careful not to affect ISS other assets in range

New Service Module Design would include: –Extra docking station for a Soyuz Spacecraft that could be used in an emergency evacuation –Docking location for the shuttle –An attitude control system for the station. This one would back-up or assist the one on the Zvezda module –Emergency power supply to power the station in case of a failure or to help power the AGIL. Located where the Shuttle docks USC U T I L I Z A T I O N E V O L U T I O N LIFE-EXTENSION

New Service Module USC U T I L I Z A T I O N E V O L U T I O N LIFE-EXTENSION

Conclusion It is not a matter of “if,” but “when” debris will strike the station. After ten years of service, systems are going to fail or malfunction. The cost of ISS approaching 150 billion dollars. It truly represents how nations of completely different backgrounds and beliefs can come together, work together, and live together, employing the finest technologies that humanity could muster. Are we really willing to throw something like this away?! USC U T I L I Z A T I O N E V O L U T I O N LIFE-EXTENSION