All articles tagged with #space debris removal
Scientists are developing a real-life electrostatic tractor beam that uses electrostatic attraction to safely move defunct satellites out of Earth's orbit, potentially helping to address the growing space junk problem. While promising, the technology faces challenges such as slow operation and high costs, but could become operational within a decade if funding is secured.
The ALBATOR project is developing a non-contact method using ion beams to move space debris out of the way of satellites and the International Space Station, aiming to improve space safety and sustainability, with a planned demonstration in the coming years.
Rocket Lab's Electron rocket successfully launched the ADRAS-J satellite, built by Astroscale, on a mission to inspect and develop techniques for removing space debris. The satellite will approach and monitor a discarded rocket body in orbit as part of the Japanese space agency's Commercial Removal of Debris Demonstration program. Equipped with visual and infrared cameras and LiDAR sensors, the ADRAS-J spacecraft will assess the rocket body's condition and make a close approach, marking a significant step in on-orbit services and space debris removal capabilities.
SpaceX faces weather challenges and logistics issues but continues to set milestones with upcoming launches, including the eighth crew rotation mission to the International Space Station (ISS) and the launch of a new high-throughput communications satellite for Indonesia. Rocket Lab's Electron is set to launch a debris removal demonstration mission, while ISRO prepares to launch its first Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) rocket since May 2023, delivering the successor to the INSAT-3DR weather research satellite.