3 ms·
What would you do with the lasers? Heat 'em evenly so that they vapourise smoothly instead of falling apart and forming lots of little bits?
by hugh3 15y ago
What would you do with the lasers? Heat 'em evenly so that they vapourise smoothly instead of falling apart and forming lots of little bits?
- andrewflnr 15y agohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laser_broom http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laser_broom In short, you use it to heat one side if the debris, causing it to ablate, resulting in thrust that knocks it out of orbit.
- billswift 15y agoSince satellites aren't designed with that sort of ablation effect in mind, I think hugh3's point that it would fall apart as various connecting bits burned through early would be much more likely.
- andrewflnr 15y agoThe article states that it's designed to be used for bits from 1 to 10 cm, which mostly means stuff that has already fallen apart.