T811-900GS OPTIMIZATION OF LASER INTENSITY ON SPACE DEBRIS VIA COHERENT BEAM COMBINATION (EXPRO+)

Recently, strategies have been explored to perturb space debris orbits using high-power ground-based lasersystems. This method, known as laser momentum transfer, can also be used for deep-space opticalcommunications. Multi-beam architectures have been designed and implemented to obtain the required powerlevels that would be unachievable with a single laser source or that would be limited by atmospheric turbulenceeffects. In a recent study on laser momentum transfer, 40 kW-class lasers based on multiple beams have beenproposed to alter the orbits of space debris and prevent collisions with active satellites.One challenge is delivering the generated power to the selected target while minimizing losses caused by laserpropagation and ensuring efficient momentum transfer for collision avoidance manoeuvres. Adaptive opticssystems have been considered but there are still several challenges due to the limited maturity of thistechnology. For example, retrieving tip-tilt information to compensate for atmospheric turbulence still dependson sunlight reflected from debris, which is a limiting factor in operational terms. Additionally, today's deformablemirror technology is not mature enough for the power levels needed for this application. While research is stillongoing, Coherent Beam Combining (CBC) techniques could offer a valid alternative to mitigate atmosphericeffects. This approach has the potential to correct the negative impact of atmospheric turbulence in systemsinvolving multiple beams.This activity aims at investigating CBC techniques to concentrate the highest possible intensity on the target,dynamically adjusting the phase of each beam, and achieving an optimal relationship between the phases ofthe multiple beams.Procurement Policy: C(3) = Activity restricted to SMEs RD Entities. For additional information please go to:http://www.esa.int/About_Us/Business_with_ESA/Small_and_Medium_Sized_Enterprises/Opportunities_for_SMEs/Procurement_policy_on_fair_access_for_SMEs_-_the_C1-C4_Clauses