The UK Space Agency's Active Debris Removal Phase 0/Phase A Studies

Paper number

IAC-22,A6,IPB,4,x73061

Author

Dr. Adam Camilletti, United Kingdom, UK Space Agency

Coauthor

Dr. Jason Forshaw, United Kingdom, Astroscale Ltd

Coauthor

Dr. Daniele Frollani, United Kingdom, Astroscale Ltd

Coauthor

Ms. Sarah Cawley, United Kingdom, Astroscale Ltd

Coauthor

Mrs. Nikki Antoniou, United Kingdom, Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL)

Coauthor

Ms. Samantha Rowe, United Kingdom, Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL)

Coauthor

Mr. Valentin Valhondo, United Kingdom, ClearSpace Today Limited

Coauthor

Dr. Luzius Kronig, Switzerland, ClearSpace SA

Year

2022

Abstract

The United Kingdom Space Agency (UKSA) has commissioned three parallel Phase 0/Phase A studies into future Active Debris Removal (ADR) missions. The studies are the first steps towards a potential UK-led mission with a target launch date in the next four to five years. 

Space debris, particularly in the congested LEO zone presents a major risk to current and future space missions. An effective mitigation of this risk is the removal of defunct satellites from orbit, so-called Active Debris Removal (ADR).  The capturing and subsequent de-orbiting of such a target, especially one which has not been designed with capture and de-orbit in mind, is challenging. 

This paper summarises the scope and aims of these studies, before examining the key design drivers, criteria and methodologies used to down-select the major system elements. Each study’s proposed concept is discussed, elaborating on the system design with particular focus on the debris capture method.

Abstract document

IAC-22,A6,IPB,4,x73061.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-22,A6,IPB,4,x73061.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.