e.Deorbit

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. The launch is planned for 2021 on board a Vega launch vehicle.

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.

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. The net option has the advantage of being able to capture objects with a wide range of sizes and spins.

After successfully capturing the targeted derelict, the spacecraft will deorbit itself by performing a controlled atmospheric reentry.

History

Mission was developed by ESA Concurrent Design Facility, with studies for Clean Space programme on de-orbiting techniques being done in 2009. First symposium about the mission took place in May 2014. Early testing included successful attempts of capturing scale model satellites by shooting nets from compressed air ejector. 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.

External links

• ESA Clean Space website
• Space debris removal mission ESA illustration
• Interview with Robin Biesbroek, e.Deorbit study manager