Date of Award

3-2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics

First Advisor

Robert A. Bettinger, PhD

Abstract

This research evaluates the risks that could be posed by artificial space debris near the Moon and investigates potential mitigation techniques. Simulations across a wide variety of low lunar orbits found that a substantial portion of the fragments could remain in lunar orbit for at least five years and possibly as long as decades. The locations of lunar surface impacts were highly non-uniform, with significant debris impact clusters forming that could pose an increased risk to surface infrastructure at those locations. Simulations in useful cislunar orbits near the Moon found that debris was not stable in the vicinity of a Near Rectilinear Halo Orbit, but debris was often stable for at least ten years in a lunar Distant Retrograde Orbit. Finally, the use of the Moon’s non-spherical gravity field coupled with a small maneuver may represent a strategy to achieve a predictable lunar surface impact in a safe location for spacecraft disposal. The results of this study provide novel insights into the behavior of debris near the Moon, helping support the development of lunar debris mitigation recommendations as international interest in exploration of the Moon grows.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-ENY-DS-24-M-213

Comments

A 12-month embargo was observed for posting this work on AFIT Scholar.

Distribution Statement A, Approved for Public Release. PA case number 88ABW-2025-0626

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