A method for addressing the danger of space debris

This paper describes a method for using an array of ground-based lasers to bring small debris particles (1 cm to 10 cm in radius) down into the atmosphere via an effect called Poynting-Robertson drag. This method is called PACA. By means of this effect, absorption and anisotropic re-emission of energy and momentum produces a force which is directed opposite to the tangential velocity, causing a particle to spiral into the Earth´s atmosphere. This paper presents some of the basic considerations involved in utilizing this effect to reduce the small particle space debris population.