System and method for creating an artificial atmosphere for the removal of space debris

Systems and methods are disclosed herein for producing an artificial atmosphere for creating drag on space debris. The artificial atmosphere is produced by an artificial atmosphere delivery system (AADS) (400), which comprises a combustible propellant and a propellant ignition device (410). The combustible propellant creates an artificial atmosphere when ignited. The combustible propellant is directed to a region near the path of the space debris by a targeting device. The propellant ignition device (410) ignites the combustible propellant such that ignition of the combustible propellant does not impart significant momentum on the AADS (400). Igniting the combustible propellant creates the artificial atmosphere in the path of the space debris.