e.Deorbit

e.Deorbit
Mission type Active debris removal
Operator ESA
Spacecraft properties
Launch mass 1,600 kilograms (3,500 lb)
Start of mission
Launch date 2021
Rocket Vega
Launch site ELA-1, Guiana Space Centre
Contractor Arianespace
End of mission
Disposal Deorbit
Capture of derelict satellite
Clean Space

e.Deorbit is a planned European Space Agency active space debris removal mission developed as a part of their Clean Space initiative.[1][2] The launch is planned for 2021 on board a Vega launch vehicle.[3]

Overview

A 1,600 kilograms (3,500 lb) spacecraft will be launched on board a Vega rocket into a polar orbit at an altitude of 800–1,000 kilometres (500–620 mi). Once on orbit, the spacecraft will rendezvous with a derelict satellite in an unknown condition, inoperative, and probably tumbling.[2]

Capture will be conducted in one of two ways: either by using mechanical tentacles or nets. The tentacles option includes equipping the spacecraft with robotic arms, one of which will first capture a holding point, before the remaining arms embrace the derelict and secure it with a clamping mechanism. The net option includes equipping the spacecraft with a deployable net on a tether, that will envelope the target derelict before the spacecraft will begin changing orbit.[4]:13,24,25 The net option has the advantage of being able to capture objects with a wide range of sizes and spins.[5]

After successfully capturing the targeted derelict, the spacecraft will deorbit itself by performing a controlled atmospheric reentry.[3]

History

Mission was developed by ESA Concurrent Design Facility, with studies for Clean Space programme on de-orbiting techniques being done in 2009.[3][6] First symposium about the mission took place in May 2014.[1] Early testing included successful attempts of capturing scale model satellites by shooting nets from compressed air ejector.[5] First design stage was completed in June 2015, Systems Requirements Review will be conducted in May–June 2016 and a final mission approval will take place in December 2016.[3]

References

  1. 1 2 "e.Deorbit Symposium". ESA. 6 May 2014. Retrieved 2 June 2015.
  2. 1 2 "Space fishing: ESA floats plan to net space junk". Gizmag. 28 February 2014. Retrieved 2 June 2015.
  3. 1 2 3 4 "ESA heading towards removing space debris". ESA. 2 June 2015. Retrieved 2 June 2015.
  4. ↑ Robin Biesbroek (22 May 2013). "The e.Deorbit CDF Study" (PDF). Retrieved 2 June 2015.
  5. 1 2 Rick Pantaleo (23 March 2015). "Fishing in Outer Space for Bigger Junk". Voice of America. Retrieved 2 June 2015.
  6. ↑ "Clean Space". ESA, Concurrent Design Facility. 3 October 2012. Retrieved 2 June 2015.
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