In Space Reverse Logistics

This study proposes In Space Reverse Logistics (ISRL), a fully reusable multi-mission network design for mitigating and remediating space debris in proliferated Low Earth Orbit (pLEO) constellations. The ISRL design aims to collect defunct satellites from their operating orbits and to bring them to a Workshop Space Station (WSS) for centralized on-orbit servicing (OOS). A modular probabilistic Failure Model is proposed, designed, and implemented to collaborate with a custom-made orbital propagator to work as a space logistics simulator. The ISRL Failure Model is a modular and resilient binary random stochastic process with time-varying probability distributions for orbital simulations that operate agnostically from the orbital dynamics ordinary differential equation integration methods. The space logistics simulation implements a modular Lambert Targeting solver for maneuvering ISRL collectors and an atmospheric densities solver for all objects at each step using the NRLMSISE-00 empirical atmosphere model. An F10.7cm Radio Flux Long Term Prediction Model with coupled hemispheric sinusoidal wave functions is designed and implemented to serve NRLMSISE-00 continuous long-duration simulations. Besides offering an overview of space debris impact by analyzing the converging defunct satellite population in pLEO constellations, this document offers seven ISRL Case Studies as mitigation and remediation efforts to reduce this population. Each study propagates 186 objects for 30 years: 180 equally distributed satellites for the pLEO constellation, one WSS, and five collectors. The results show a drastic reduction in satellite defunct time compared with current mitigation and remediation efforts for pLEO constellations, as it demonstrates rapid rescue capabilities compared to the natural orbital decay. Although many engineering challenges persist for on-orbit servicing, this study demonstrates that ISRL is a viable design for many applications. Furthermore, it shows the potential for impact when applied in large-scale systems such as pLEO constellations. Likewise, it carries great potential for space debris mitigation efforts. Finally, it offers new insight into space sustainability in Cislunar space operations, mission design, and logistical optimizations.

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy

Level thesis:degree_level

doctoral

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Aerospace Engineering

Department dc:contributor.department

Aerospace and Ocean Engineering

Grantor dc:publisher

Virginia Tech

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Ventura Gargioni, Gustavo

Chair dc:contributor.committeechair

• Black, Jonathan T.

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Shinpaugh, Kevin A.
• Harding, Leon K.
• England, Scott Leslie

• Space Logistics
• Spacecraft Reusability
• Space Debris
• On-Orbit Servicing

Statement dc:rights

• Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/

Language dc:language.iso

en

Dc Identifier Other

vt_gsexam:43217

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/135003