LightForce: Orbital Collision Avoidance Using Ground-Based Laser Induced Photon Pressure

We propose to employ small orbit perturbations, induced by photon pressure from ground-based laser illumination, for collision avoidance in space. Possible applications would be a) protecting space assets from impacts with debris and b) stabilizing the orbital debris environment. In comparison to schemes aimed at de-orbiting debris using laser ablation, collision avoidance requires much less force and hence needs less sophisticated laser/telescope systems. In earlier research we concluded that a system consisting of a 10 kW class laser, directed by a 1.5 m telescope with adaptive optics, could avoid a significant fraction of collisions in low earth orbit. This paper describes our recent efforts which include refining our original analysis, employing higher fidelity simulations and presenting our planned experimental approach.