Removal processes analysis of centimeter-scale space debris using laser irradiation

The orbital change of space debris using laser irradiation was analyzed to study the laser removal processes of centimeter-scale space debris. A physical model was build up, and the space debris re-entering and burnout processes were studied numerically. The results indicate that in order to remove the debris of centimeter scale, the included angle between the direction of velocity and the velocity increment must be larger than 90, and the laser power should be up to 100 kW.