Cost and Benefit Analysis of Removing Small Debris Using Space-Based and Ground-Based Laser Systems

With the more recent boom of satellite launches and large constellation architectures beginning to take shape, the growing issue of orbital debris has garnered worldwide attention for both government and private industry. In an effort to avoid a self-sustaining cascade of debris-generating collisions, also known as the Kessler effect, novel technologies such as space and ground-based lasers are being explored to address the issue of orbital debris removal. However, due to the significant upfront financial investments, as well as challenges associated with the tracking and targeting of small debris, a high fidelity analysis of the effectivness of the laser-based option has yet to be conducted to date. This study will conduct a comprehensive analysis of both the cost and benefit of space and ground-based orbital debris removal systems for small debris of the order of 0.01 - 0.1m. Additionally, these results will highlight the most profitable orbits and coordinates to place a debris removal system, as well as the optimal time-frame during which the most profit would be generated.