On: Grave-robbing DARPA satellite to form new orbiters...

[ortusdux]

I have always thought that ground based lasers were the best solution to the kessler syndrome. I wonder if the benefits of this system would make it more cost-effective.

[hugh3 → ortusdux]

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 → hugh3]

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 → andrewflnr]

Since 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 → billswift]

The 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.