Innovative technology for managing space debris, known as 'shepherding,' granted US patent for bringing debris into Earth's atmosphere.
In a significant leap forward for space sustainability, Astroscale, a Japanese sustainability company, is set to revolutionise the way we manage space debris. The company's new method, called the "Method and System for Multi-Object Space Debris Removal," aims to make debris removal more cost-effective and scalable, while reducing the amount of harmful material released into Earth's upper atmosphere.
Astroscale's innovative approach involves a single servicing spacecraft docking with multiple large debris objects, such as defunct satellites and spent rocket stages. This servicer then transfers each debris object to a separate "shepherd" vehicle, which guides the debris into controlled reentry over unpopulated areas. This method allows for multi-object removal in one mission, making the process much more agile, economically viable, and safer compared to traditional active debris removal (ADR) methods.
The shepherd vehicle is a key component of Astroscale's system. It lowers the debris orbit and guides it safely into the atmosphere, ensuring any remnants fall away from populated zones, aligning with public safety and international best practices. The servicer and shepherd operate as separate modules with optional mission profiles, increasing mission agility and sustainability.
Traditional ADR approaches typically involve a single servicing spacecraft deorbiting one debris object at a time, which is expensive, less agile, and limited by fuel capacity. Astroscale's system, on the other hand, significantly reduces costs and scales cleanup efforts to meet growing orbital congestion.
In addition to debris removal, Astroscale is also exploring other on-orbit servicing solutions. For instance, the company plans a private probe mission to refuel Space Force satellites high above Earth in 2026. Astroscale's ultimate goal is to support the secure and sustainable use of space for future generations.
The company is preparing to launch the ELSA-M junk collector in 2026, with the aim to capture old junk with a robotic arm. Astroscale has already conducted a close approach and surveillance of a discarded rocket stage, and plans to attempt deorbiting a bus-sized rocket stage with ADRAS-J2 before the end of the decade.
Astroscale's newsletter offers updates on rocket launches, skywatching events, and more, providing an insight into the company's ongoing efforts to ensure a safer and more sustainable space environment.
References: [1] Astroscale. (n.d.). Multi-Object Debris Removal. Retrieved from https://astroscale.com/technology/multi-object-removal/ [2] Astroscale. (n.d.). ELSA-d. Retrieved from https://astroscale.com/technology/elsa-d/ [3] Astroscale. (n.d.). ADRAS-J2. Retrieved from https://astroscale.com/technology/adr-j2/
- The "Method and System for Multi-Object Space Debris Removal" developed by Astroscale, a Japanese sustainability company, integrates the use of a servicer and a shepherd vehicle to remove multiple large debris objects from space, making debris removal more economically viable, agile, and safer compared to traditional active debris removal methods.
- In addition to focusing on space debris removal, Astroscale is also delving into other on-orbit servicing solutions, such as refueling satellites and capturing old junk with robotic arms, with the ultimate goal of supporting a secure and sustainable use of space for future generations.
