TeSeR – Technology for Self-Removal – Status of a Horizon 2020 project to ensure the Post-Mission-Disposal of any future spacecraft
- Paper number
IAC-18,A6,6,4,x45828
- Author
Dr. Philipp Voigt, Germany, Airbus DS GmbH
- Coauthor
Mr. Cornelius Vogt, Germany, Airbus DS GmbH
- Coauthor
Prof.Dr. Roger Förstner, Germany, Universität der Bundeswehr München
- Coauthor
Mr. Konstantinos Konstantinidis, Germany, Universität der Bundeswehr München
- Coauthor
Mrs. Alexandra Wander, Germany, Universität der Bundeswehr München
- Coauthor
Dr. Monica Valli, Italy, D-Orbit
- Coauthor
Mr. Simone Brilli, Italy, D-Orbit
- Coauthor
Prof. Anders Kristensen, Denmark, Aalborg University
- Coauthor
Prof. Craig Underwood, United Kingdom, Surrey Space Centre, University of Surrey
- Coauthor
Mr. Leonardo Ghizoni, Denmark, GomSpace ApS
- Coauthor
Ms. Laura León Pérez, Denmark, GomSpace ApS
- Coauthor
Dr. Hedley Stokes, United Kingdom, PHS Space Ltd
- Coauthor
Mr. Tobias Lips, Germany, Hypersonic Technology Göttingen
- Coauthor
Ms. Lesley Jane Smith, Germany
- Coauthor
Mr. Denis Bensoussan, United Kingdom
- Coauthor
Dr. Malcolm Macdonald, United Kingdom, University of Strathclyde
- Coauthor
Ms. Emma Kerr, United Kingdom, University of Strathclyde
- Year
2018
- Abstract
One major source of new space debris are spacecraft (S/C) which are not removed after the end of their operational lifetime. Many regulations (e.g. ISO 24113) require the removal of S/C at the end of operation (known as Post-Mission-Disposal (PMD)) with a compliance rate of 90\% to ensure that S/C do not become a new source of space debris. An analysis performed by ESA shows that the success rate of PMD in 2013 was in the range of about 50\%-60\%.\\ The goal of TeSeR (Technology for Self-Removal) is to take the first step towards the development of a cost-efficient, but highly reliable PMD module. This PMD module is to be attached to the S/C on ground and it shall ensure the PMD of the S/C at the end of the operational lifetime. This PMD module shall be scalable and flexible, thus, enabling the PMD of any future S/C in an Earth orbit. Ultimately, the gap between the required 90\% PMD success rate and the current success rate can be closed.\\ The technological enhancements and developments required for successful PMD are addressed and analysed in TeSeR. The project’s primary aims are \item{-to develop, manufacture and test an on-ground prototype of the PMD module} \item{-to develop three different removal subsystems (solid propulsion, electro-dynamical systems and deployable structures) for easy plug-in/plug-out implementation to the PMD module}\\ This is the first step to demonstrate the main aspects of such a PMD module and the required main technologies. The technical activities are supported by non-technical tasks, e.g. investigation of legal issues relating to a PMD module, execution of a market study and consideration of this technology as a leverage to advance ISO norms. This double tracked approach ensures that the technological developments are embedded into the needs of the space community right from the start.\\ Up to now the prototypes of the three removal subsystems have been developed, manufactured and tested with a common interface for implementation into the PMD module prototype. The PMD module prototype will be manufactured until summer 2018. Afterwards the removal subsystems will be integrated via the same interface.\\ Airbus is the coordinator (and potential launch customer) of TeSeR. The project is conducted together with 10 notable institutes and companies from all across Europe with experts who have been working in the space debris issue for many years.\\ The presentation describes the project status in greater detail.- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-18,A6,6,4,x45828.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.