Researchers from Florida State University have identified four methods for addressing space debris that balance environmental safety, affordability, and practical effectiveness in Earth orbit. The findings were reported in the International Journal of Student Project Reporting (IJSPR), a venue dedicated to disseminating hands-on science work and its implications for ongoing space operations. The study emphasizes that dealing with orbital junk is not about a single silver bullet but about a portfolio of tools that, used together, could lower risk to satellites and crewed missions while keeping costs in check for space agencies and commercial operators in North America.
Among the approaches, laser ablation stands out as the most technologically advanced—and the most costly—means of removing debris. This method relies on concentrating laser energy onto debris fragments to vaporize material and generate thrust that nudges the object into a safer trajectory or away from high-traffic zones. In North American and Canadian contexts, laser-based systems could become part of a high-precision debris mitigation suite, particularly for larger pieces with high potential to collide with operational satellites. Experts caution that while promising, laser ablation requires substantial investment in ground or space-based laser platforms and robust debris tracking capabilities to be viable at scale. (Source: IJSPR, Florida State University study)
More economical options explored include catching debris with mechanical devices. A harpoon-and-net configuration offers a seemingly straightforward way to grab small to mid-size fragments and then either deorbit them or relocate them to disposal orbits where they will naturally burn up in the atmosphere. Similar logic applies to systems using mechanical claws or magnetic attachments designed to latch onto stubborn debris and guide it toward decaying trajectories. These methods generally aim for lower upfront costs and simpler deployment compared with high-energy laser systems, making them attractive for mission planners seeking incremental gains in debris clearance without prohibitive budgets. In practice, the efficiency of harpoons and nets depends on the shape, spin, and material of the debris, as well as the precision of rendezvous maneuvers and the reliability of capture mechanisms. (Source: IJSPR)
Beyond harpoons and magnets, researchers have evaluated strategies that involve repositioning debris into safer or predictable orbits or even into high-atmosphere burn zones. While these tactics show potential, they pose challenges related to timing, fuel requirements, and the likelihood that some objects may survive re-entry or drift into critical orbital corridors. Overall, the study emphasizes that none of the proposed techniques, on their own, offers a perfect solution or a clear cost–benefit advantage under current technology. Yet, a judicious blend of methods could yield complementary effects, where each method compensates for the others’ limitations and enhances overall debris mitigation effectiveness in the near term. (Source: IJSPR)
Historically, researchers in other nations have proposed complementary ideas, such as orbital screens that convert debris-induced energy into heat for easier handling or disposal. While these concepts contribute to the broader conversation on debris management, they illustrate the ongoing search for innovative and scalable ideas. The Florida State University study thus serves as a practical reminder that the debris problem is multi-faceted and requires a diversified toolkit, particularly for space operations across the United States and Canada where satellite constellations and commercial activity continue to grow. The takeaway is clear: progress will likely come from integrating several approaches into a coherent, cost-conscious strategy rather than chasing a single perfect solution. (Source: IJSPR)