Research Project

As you can see, space debris is a big problem for astronauts and space shuttles.

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There are many collisions that lead to even more space debris, so it’s an endless cycle if we don’t stop it. 

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Did you know that accidents can create even more space debris?

The GANS CubeSat has one catching net, four inflatable bags, Vision-Base-Navigation System(VBN), control system, power system.

Once the GANS CubeSat net reaches the debris, the pressure will force the net to expand and capture the space debris.  Then, GANS pulls the space debris into an inflatable bag/net, where it is to stay.

After the inflatable bag/net is filled up, the bag with the debris will drop down to earth. Once it reaches the earth’s atmosphere, it will burn up. The CubeSat itself is reusable, it will be able to withstand the heat of the atmosphere.

VBN detect the space debris via high-speed camera. We don't care about the texture or weight of the space debris, only need to identify the size of the space debris.

Theoretically, the net can be built big enough to capture any size-space debris. The net can be tethered back for the next time shooting.

The captured space debris can be transfer to the storage bags till it full. Then use the plasma power to send it to deorbit burn.

Here is our solution animation.

We are using graphene, aerogel for capture net.

Aerogel is like Jello except there is no water in it. It’s basically dehydrated Jello. It’s 99% air, making it light. It’s also chemically resistant. This means that it’s heatproof.  It can slow down the space debris.

Graphene sounds like graphite, and it is graphite, except for the fact that it’s one single layer of it. Essentially, it’s transparent and 2D. Graphene is also chemically and physically resistant, making it a very good material for space usage.