Identify

In this step, our goal was to identify the issue causing our World Problem, in our case the cause for space junk. We found space junk primarily comes from two sources: Decommissioned satellites, and fuel tanks from spacecraft. The issue then, is how to take down these discarded scrap, and how to prevent further junk from getting into orbit.

Research

Researching a World Problem consists of finding and reading articles across the web. We spent a couple of days dedicated to this, finding information on the data of space junk, and the logistics behind it.

Develop Solutions

Developing solutions involves brainstorming and jotting down ideas to address our issue. Some solutions we discussed were magnets, vacuums, lasers and bombs.

Select Solution

In this step, we evaluate which solutions are the most practical. The solution we narrowed down to was laser ablation, due to its relatively low cost, and being able to be stationed on earth.

Create Prototype

In this project, we are unable to create a prototype within the classroom tools given to us. However, we were able to blueprint, budget and pitch a potential prototype to create. Laser ablation works by heating up one side of the space junk, acting as propulsion, causing the trajectory of the orbit to offset, and landing back onto earth.

Evaluate Prototype

In our case, evaluating our prototype meant finding issues theoretically or mathematically, whether that be calculation errors or practicality/economical problems.

Changing Prototype

As stated before, we were unable to have a physical prototype. In substitution of physically making changes, we altered how our prototype would work in numerous ways, including the change of angle, the amount of energy put into the light, and how the laser functions (Full obliteration vs laser ablation).