An In-Orbit Active Debris Removal Mission – RemoveDEBRIS: Pre-launch Update

Paper number

IAC-15,A6,6,3,x28744

Author

Dr. Jason Forshaw, Surrey Space Centre, University of Surrey, United Kingdom

Coauthor

Prof.Dr. Guglielmo Aglietti, Surrey Space Centre, University of Surrey, United Kingdom

Coauthor

Mr. Nimal Navarathinam, Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL), United Kingdom

Coauthor

Mr. Haval Kadhem, Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL), United Kingdom

Coauthor

Mr. Thierry Salmon, Airbus Defence and Space (DS), France

Coauthor

Mr. Eric Joffre, Airbus Defence and Space (DS), France

Coauthor

Mr. Thomas Chabot, Airbus Defence and Space (DS), France

Coauthor

Dr. Ingo Retat, Airbus Defence and Space (DS), Germany

Coauthor

Mr. Robert Axthelm, Airbus Defence and Space (DS), Germany

Coauthor

Mr. Simon Barraclough, Airbus Defence and Space (DS), United Kingdom

Coauthor

Mr. Andrew Ratcliffe, Airbus Defence and Space (DS), United Kingdom

Coauthor

Mr. Cesar Bernal, ISIS Bv., Netherlands Antilles

Coauthor

Mr. Francois Chaumette, INRIA, France

Coauthor

Mr. Alexandre Pollini, CSEM – Centre Suisse d’Electronique et de Microtechnique SA, Switzerland

Coauthor

Prof. Willem Steyn, Stellenbosch University, South Africa

Year

2015

Abstract

Since the beginning of the space era, a huge amount of debris has progressively been generated. Most of the objects launched into space are still orbiting the Earth and today these objects represent a threat as the presence of space debris incurs risk of collision and damage to operational satellites.  A credible solution has emerged over the recent years: actively removing debris objects by capturing them and disposing of them.

This paper provides an update to the mission baseline and concept of operations of the EC FP7 RemoveDEBRIS mission drawing on the expertise of some of Europe’s most prominent space institutions in order to demonstrate key active debris remove (ADR) technologies in a low-cost ambitious manner.  The mission will consist of a microsatellite platform (chaser) that ejects 2 CubeSats (targets).  These targets will assist with a range of strategically important ADR technology demonstrations including net capture, harpoon capture and vision-based navigation using a standard camera and LiDAR.  The chaser will also host a drag sail for orbital lifetime reduction.

The mission baseline has been revised to take into account feedback from international and national space policy providers in terms of risk and compliance and a suitable launch option is selected.  A launch in the second quarter of 2016 is targeted.  The payload flight models are currently scheduled to be delivered in the autumn of 2015 for platform integration (AIT) and subsequent EVT phases.  The RemoveDEBRIS mission aims to be one of the world’s first in-orbit demonstrations of key technologies for active debris removal and is a vital prerequisite to achieving the ultimate goal of a cleaner Earth orbital environment.

Abstract document

IAC-15,A6,6,3,x28744.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-15,A6,6,3,x28744.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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