Active Debris Removal

Capture and removal of defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, and other space debris from orbit

Capabilities enabling this application

• Capture

  Capture a (usually) non-cooperative space object (typically in the context of ADR missions)

• Combined Stack Management

  Manage the coupled aspects of docked satellites (e.g. attitude, orbit, thermal)

• Docking

  Physically connect/disconnect two satellites (e.g, through a dedicated interface or by using another component in order to provide a secure physical connection)

• Orbital Manoeuvre

  Change a satellite's orbit

• Precise Manoeuvring

  Orbital manoeuvres which require precise control of delta-v, typically in close proximity (< 100m) to another satellite

• Relative Navigation

  Precisely track a satellite's position and velocities with respect to that of another object in close proximity

• Remote Detumbling

  Reducing relative angular velocity of an uncontrolled satellite/debris, typically via thruster plume impingement

• Remote Sensing

  Gather information on an object from a distance, usually by measuring the radiation it emits or reflects

Organisations operating in this area