Erlangen 2026 – scientific programme

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P: Fachverband Plasmaphysik

P 16: Poster Session Plasma Physics

P 16.45: Poster

Thursday, March 19, 2026, 13:45–15:45, Redoutensaal

The ALBATOR project: A 3.5-year visionary project pioneering a contactless solution for space debris removal — •Viktor Schneider for the ALBATOR collaboration — Institute of Experimental and Applied Physics, Christian-Albrechts University Kiel

ALBATOR, proposes the use of the Ion Beam Shepherd method as a concept for contactless space debris removal, which relies on momentum transfer from a collimated, multiple charged plasma beam. The project focuses on designing and developing an Electron Cyclotron Resonance (ECR)-like ion beam system. To achieve that ambition, ALBATOR will optimize the ion beam system by gaining a deep understanding of plasma discharge and plume expansion physics. It will create advanced models to simulate plasma discharge and its interaction with debris, accounting for factors such as multiple charged ions, electromagnetic wave behavior, and materials interactions like sputtering, which influence momentum transfer. A series of vacuum chamber tests will be conducted to characterize the ion beam’s properties, such as ion current, energy, and composition, under simulated space conditions. Additionally, the interaction of the ion beam with various satellite materials will be studied to assess its efficieny in momentum transfer. The systems versatility will also be tested using different propellants. The results from these tests will contribute to simulations of various mission scenarios, including debris deorbiting and detumbling.

Keywords: ecr plasma; space debris removal; sputtering