Rocket bodies removal by inflatable balloon: Attitude motion stabilization/destabilization and break-up altitude regulation
Aslanov V.S. Sizov D.A.
November 2025Elsevier Ltd
Acta Astronautica
2025#2361203 - 1216 pp.
The spent upper stage active removal assisted by an inflatable balloon is considered with a focus on the investigation of the stages attitude motion. Using an Ariane 4 H10 as an example target, we show that the position of the balloon significantly influences the angular stability of the stage and, consequently, its break-up altitude, which is mainly caused by the aerodynamic forces. It has been found that placing the balloon in the stages adaptor increases its angular stability during re-entry and typically results in slightly lower break-up altitudes compared to the reference case where no balloon is used. Alternatively and more importantly, if the balloon is attached to the stages nozzle, the break-up altitude is noticeably higher than in the no-balloon case, because the inevitable balloon break-up due to the dynamic pressure destabilizes the stage and drastically increases the transverse aerodynamic loads, leading to the stages destruction. The present article therefore suggests to use intentional balloon bursts to regulate the break-up altitude in future space debris removal missions involving inflatable balloons.
Angular stabilization , Attitude motion , Break-up altitude regulation , Inflatable balloon , Reentry , Rocket body , Space debris
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Moscow Aviation Institute (National Research University), 4, Volokolamskoye Shosse, Moscow, 125993, Russian Federation
Nazarbayev University, 53, Kabanbay batyr Ave., Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
Moscow Aviation Institute (National Research University)
Nazarbayev University
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