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Can SPARCS Solve the Space Debris Problem?

IEEE Spectrum
Summary
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81% Informative

Electrodynamic tethers (EDTs) have only now begun to be tested in space.

They are essentially giant poles with electric current running through them to push off of the Earth ’s natural magnetic sphere using a property called the Lorentz force.

This allows the satellite to adjust its orbit without the use of fuel, simply by orienting its EDT in a specific direction.

Engineers have already run simulations showing its expected operations.