Space debris index definition for multi-purpose active debris removal mission design

Recent advances in space debris mitigation methods have become a prominent area of research and interest within the space community. Active debris removal missions are widely recognized as essential for improving both current and future debris conditions and promoting the sustainable use of near-Earth space. This paper introduces a novel method for studying and characterizing debris objects as potential targets for multiple Active Debris Removal (ADR) missions. A detailed framework for evaluating the impact factor of debris, considering both mission feasibility and environmental impact, is provided. This approach is integrated into a flexible mission design tool that leverages a multi-objective optimization algorithm to generate potential missions, enabling the selection of optimal debris targets based on specific needs. Simulation results for three separate mission cases are presented in this paper that optimally select targets for a multiple ARD mission service in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).