AN ORBIT DESCENT SYSTEM FOR SPACE DEBRIS

Provided are an orbit descent method and system for space debris, capable of collision avoidance operation and re-entry control without a removal satellite of complicated construction and heavy weight, and an orbit changing method and system for an artificial satellite, based on the same principles. Provided are an orbit descent method and its associated system. The method includes the steps of: bringing an artificial satellite extendably holding an electroconductive tether near to space debris orbiting around a heavenly body; attaching one end of the electroconductive tether to the space debris by an electroconductive tether attachment mechanism; extending the electroconductive tether, with the other end thereof held by the artificial satellite, by an electroconductive tether extension mechanism, and causing the orbits of the integrated and orbiting artificial satellite, electroconductive tether and space debris to descend toward the heavenly body, by action of an electromagnetic effect of a magnetic field around the heavenly body upon the electroconductive tether; and changing the orbital motions under control by the artificial satellite. The system is configured to perform the steps. Provided are an orbit changing method and system for an artificial satellite, based on the same principles.