Researchers are developing a real-life tractor beam, with the goal of pulling defunct satellites out of geostationary orbit to alleviate the space junk problem.
I don’t think that would happen (very much depends on the set up), but either way it’ll just naturally resolve itself. Even in high orbits, there’s plenty of gas molecules bumping around, charged things will preferentially bump into things with the opposing charge, so the residual atmosphere can probably carry most of that charge away. It all depends on the relative rates though.
Agreed, I also have concerns about shooting an electron beam, the accumulated charge on the tow vehicle is going to build up over time.
I don’t think that would happen (very much depends on the set up), but either way it’ll just naturally resolve itself. Even in high orbits, there’s plenty of gas molecules bumping around, charged things will preferentially bump into things with the opposing charge, so the residual atmosphere can probably carry most of that charge away. It all depends on the relative rates though.
Yes it can dissipate, but you are likely to see some ESD effects.
Curious to see which bus manufacturer eventually takes it on.
Probably just has a relatively short mission profile.
They say their tool is cost effective as it can be used for a long time, so who knows.