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]
Contents
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
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<references />, or <references group="..." />External links
- ESA Clean Space website
- Space debris removal mission ESA illustration
- Interview with Robin Biesbroek, e.Deorbit study manager
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Technology
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Future missions in italics
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