China The select club of space powers has joined in this century and, as such, has to face The problem of space garbage that threatens anyone who performs operations in the terrestrial orbit. To deal with the millions of remains and fragments that orbit our planet, Chinese researchers have created a system consisting of A small pitcher capable of capturing space garbage, but could also be used for military purposes.
The device was described last month in the magazine reviewed by pairs Aeronautical Acts and Astronautics Sinica and uses a closed gas and energy absorption mechanism for propel a capsule with a network towards an objective in orbit.
This system, unlike conventional cannons, does not produce smoke, flashes or significant vibrationsallowing it to work precisely without destabilizing the ship that uses it. The pitcher was developed by aerospace engineers in Nankín, Shanghai and Shenyang, under the direction of Yue Shuaiassociated professor at the Nankín University University and Technology.
According to the study, a small gunpowder load generates high pressure gas that drives a piston forward. A weakened section of the mechanism is broken to pre -established pressure, thus releasing the projectile. To absorb the recoil a ring with a 35 degree inclination is usedwhich bends inwards. This reduces the maximum thrust by more than one 9 %compared to a 20 degree ring. This design minimizes cannon displacement only 3.45 millimeters. A sealed lid retains gas, avoiding pollution of the spatial environment.
The researchers pointed out that the angle is key to maximizing energy absorption. The result is A pitcher who avoids vibrations, flashes and fragments that complicate the operation of a space weapons system.
This way, The launcher capsule displays a network that wraps and holds the remains of space garbageguiding them towards the atmosphere to disintegrate in the reentry. The team stressed that the device is Compact, does not require external food and can produce in standard factories.
Although the study does not mention military use, space analysts pointed to South China Morning Post that technology could easily adapt to disable recognition or communications satellites of an adversary. According to a Beijing space scientist who spoke with the environment under anonymity, ‘There would be no explosion or visible attack, only a satellite that stops responding. For external observers, it might seem a natural failure ‘.
It is not clear if the device has ended or continues in development. Yue’s academic profile indicates that he is an expert in space weapons systems, which has ‘Two useful charges already operating in orbit’ and what plans to launch more.