Deutsch: RemoveDEBRIS / Español: RemoveDEBRIS / Português: RemoveDEBRIS / Français: RemoveDEBRIS / Italiano: RemoveDEBRIS
RemoveDEBRIS is a pioneering satellite mission designed to address the growing problem of space debris. Launched as part of the European Union's Seventh Framework Programme for research, this mission aims to demonstrate the feasibility of capturing and deorbiting defunct satellites and other debris in low Earth orbit. The project is a collaborative effort involving several institutions, including the University of Surrey, Airbus, and Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL).
General Description
RemoveDEBRIS is a technology demonstration mission focused on testing various methods for capturing and removing space debris. The mission involves a main satellite equipped with different debris capture mechanisms, including a net, a harpoon, and a vision-based navigation system. The primary objective is to validate these technologies in a real-space environment, providing critical data for future debris removal missions.
The mission was launched on April 2, 2018, aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft as part of the International Space Station (ISS) resupply mission CRS-14. Once deployed, the RemoveDEBRIS satellite began a series of experiments to test its debris capture capabilities. The mission is designed to operate in low Earth orbit (LEO), specifically at an altitude of approximately 400 kilometers, where the concentration of space debris is particularly high.
One of the key aspects of the RemoveDEBRIS mission is its modular design, which allows for the testing of multiple debris removal technologies in a single mission. This approach not only reduces the cost and complexity of individual missions but also provides a comprehensive assessment of different capture methods. The mission also includes a drag sail, which is deployed at the end of the mission to ensure that the satellite deorbits safely and does not contribute to the space debris problem.
The RemoveDEBRIS satellite is equipped with advanced sensors and cameras to monitor its operations and the behavior of the captured debris. This data is transmitted back to Earth for analysis, providing valuable insights into the effectiveness of the capture mechanisms and the dynamics of space debris. The mission also includes a ground-based control system that allows operators to monitor and control the satellite's operations in real-time.
Technical Details
The RemoveDEBRIS satellite is a 100-kilogram spacecraft designed and built by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL). It is equipped with a variety of sensors and instruments to support its debris capture and deorbiting missions. The satellite's main body is approximately 1 cubic meter in size and is powered by solar panels that provide a continuous power supply.
The satellite's debris capture mechanisms include a net, a harpoon, and a vision-based navigation system. The net is designed to capture larger pieces of debris by deploying a lightweight, flexible net that ensnares the target object. The harpoon is used to capture smaller debris by penetrating and securing the target object. The vision-based navigation system uses advanced cameras and algorithms to identify and track debris, ensuring accurate capture.
The drag sail is a critical component of the RemoveDEBRIS mission. It is deployed at the end of the mission to increase the satellite's drag in the Earth's atmosphere, causing it to deorbit and burn up safely. The drag sail is made of a lightweight, heat-resistant material that can withstand the high temperatures and pressures of re-entry.
The RemoveDEBRIS satellite is also equipped with a propulsion system that allows it to maneuver in space. This system is used to position the satellite for debris capture and to adjust its orbit as needed. The propulsion system is powered by a combination of solar panels and batteries, providing a reliable and efficient power source.
Application Area
- Space Debris Removal: RemoveDEBRIS is primarily focused on demonstrating technologies for capturing and removing space debris. The mission's success could pave the way for future debris removal missions, helping to mitigate the growing problem of space debris.
- Satellite Technology: The mission also serves as a testbed for advanced satellite technologies, including vision-based navigation systems and drag sails. These technologies have applications beyond debris removal and could be used in future satellite missions.
Well Known Examples
- Net Capture: The RemoveDEBRIS mission successfully demonstrated the use of a net to capture a simulated piece of space debris. This technology has the potential to be used in future debris removal missions to capture larger pieces of debris.
- Harpoon Capture: The mission also tested the use of a harpoon to capture a simulated piece of space debris. This technology is particularly effective for capturing smaller pieces of debris and could be used in future missions to remove debris from specific orbits.
Risks and Challenges
- Technical Complexity: The RemoveDEBRIS mission involves the testing of multiple debris capture mechanisms, each with its own set of technical challenges. Ensuring the reliable operation of these mechanisms in a real-space environment is a significant challenge.
- Space Debris Dynamics: The behavior of space debris is complex and unpredictable, making it difficult to accurately track and capture. The RemoveDEBRIS mission must account for these dynamics to ensure successful debris capture.
Similar Terms
- Space Debris: Space debris refers to the collection of defunct human-made objects in space, including old satellites, spent rocket stages, and fragments from collisions or explosions. These objects pose a significant risk to operational spacecraft and must be removed to ensure the safety of future missions.
- Active Debris Removal (ADR): Active Debris Removal refers to the process of actively capturing and removing space debris from orbit. This involves the use of specialized technologies and spacecraft to identify, capture, and deorbit debris, helping to mitigate the growing problem of space debris.
Summary
The RemoveDEBRIS mission is a groundbreaking effort to address the critical issue of space debris. By demonstrating the feasibility of capturing and deorbiting defunct satellites and other debris, the mission provides valuable data for future debris removal technologies. The success of RemoveDEBRIS could pave the way for a cleaner and safer space environment, ensuring the sustainability of future space missions.
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