Researchers in China have developed a system for attracting or repelling distant objects in space, a bit like the Force in Star Wars. In practical terms, this technology could one day be used to retrieve satellites for repair, or to divert space debris.
Sometimes, fiction meets reality. In "Star Wars," the Jedi have the ability to use the Force, a strange power that enables them to move distant objects, without touching them. However, this feat could one day become reality – in part – thanks to researchers at the National University of Defense Technology in Changsha, China, who recently developed the first device enabling them to manipulate orbital targets using magnetic force.
According to the South China Morning Post, military researchers have developed an initial prototype using magnetic plasma rings, which could one day be capable of manipulating distant objects in space. The major difficulty of such an undertaking is to be able to maintain a high intensity of this force despite the distance between the magnetic source and the object on which it is supposed to act.
However, according to the researchers, their discovery could have a reach of up to 1km, making it possible, in theory, to rapidly stop or divert a large piece of space debris heading towards a spacecraft or satellite. Similarly, it could be used to pull a small satellite to a spacecraft for inspection or repair.
This technology is based on a system of plasma rings containing free charged particles (ions and electrons). These can be used to generate a powerful magnetic field that can be transported to a distant location by the plasma ring.
The closer these rings get to the target, the more its movements can be influenced. One of the advantages of this system is that it requires no special attachment points or physical contact.
The first full-scale prototype is due to be tested shortly. – AFP Relaxnews
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