AEROSPACE SAFETY RESEARCH PROGRAM
Center for Global Security
Outline of Research
Nowadays, the danger of collisions of space debris with satellites is rapidly becoming a major concern in space safety. More than 7,000 satellites have reached the end of their missions, and have partially disintegrated in space, generating over 17,000 pieces of debris. Each of these may represent a danger to functioning satellites and human space travel.
The NDA is researching the problem of space debris, in order to reduce the quantity and danger these objects pose, and thus improve the safety of space development.
Aerospace Safety Research Project
We are working on the following projects.
| 1 | Basic Research related to space debris mitigation
(1) Overview
This study is related to basic technique in order to mitigate space debris which are obstacles in space safety development. Additionally, it aims to examine techniques to link debris removal devices with space debris, especially using metal harpoons.
(2) Project Director
Hiroaki Tanaka, Professor, Department of Aerospace Engineering, School of Systems Engineering, NDA
(3) Research Associates
Isao Yamaguchi, Professor, Department of Aerospace Engineering, School of Systems Engineering, NDA
Hidehiro Hata, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Kumamoto University
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| 2 | Experimental research on Puncher mechanism for capturing space debris
(1) Overview
Regarding the debris removal device using a Puncher docking mechanism to capture space debris, it aims to evaluate the influences of docking conditions given by harpoon shaped debris removal devices i.e., a “Puncher”. Moreover, this research aims to acquire scientific findings which can be put toward practical use.
(2) Project Director
Hiroaki Tanaka, Professor, Department of Aerospace Engineering, School of Systems Engineering, NDA
(3) Research Associates
Isao Yamaguchi, Professor, Department of Aerospace Engineering, School of Systems Engineering, NDA
Hiroyuki Okamoto, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
Satomi Kawamoto, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
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