Space Zoo Patrol – Space Debris Removal – Robotic

By  AstroScale-US

1.  What is the name of the technology? 

Active Debris Removal/Remediation

2. What is the goal? What does it do?

The ultimate goal is to support the sustainable use of space. Orbital debris is one of the biggest threats to space sustainability. Any artificial (human-made) debris in orbit that no longer serves a useful purpose requires remediation. Many objects have remained in orbit for decades after use, and they pose risks in many ways. Large quantities of debris increase the risk of collision, which in turn increases the quantity of debris, and is dangerous for objects that are still in use and performing a specific service or activity. This is particularly true in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Costs related to collision avoidance are considerable; debris clean-up would help reduce the cost of operating spacecraft in a cluttered and dangerous space environment. 

3. How does it work?

Remediation can include disposal, recycling, or repositioning for future recycling. All three solutions require a space vehicle to rendezvous with an object, capture it in some way, and relocate it. Disposal involves moving the debris to a low enough orbit that it will deorbit and burn up on re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere. This method requires a better understanding of what that means in terms of pollution in the atmosphere.

A more sustainable solution is to recycle the debris for fuel or other purposes. The current state of technology needs to be developed further to optimize recycling methods in the industry. An interim solution is to relocate the debris to a higher orbit for storage until recycling solutions are more robust.

Capturing the debris presents many challenges and factors for consideration. A wide variety of solution methods are needed to account for size, velocity, material degradation, tumble rates, and orbital characteristics. Ownership of debris is clearly understood in some cases and unidentifiable in other cases. Therefore, domestic and international policies, rules, and regulations require consideration.

4. How is it better than the older technology?

This is an entirely new technology space! We’re working to grow from an industry that didn’t account for post-mission disposal for many years to an industry that pre-plans for disposal and actively contributes to remediation and long-term sustainability.

5. What classes should I take in school to work on this?

Engineering disciplines of many kinds support this effort globally:

• • • Aerospace Engineering
    • Mechanical Engineering
    • Electrical Engineering
    • Software Engineering
    • Systems Engineering

Space law, regulation, and policy are other areas to consider.

6. Pictures

7. Links

Fly-around videos of space debris – specifically, an upper-stage rocket body, that Astroscale will remove in the coming years: https://www.youtube.com/@astroscale/shorts