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e.deorbit: World's First Active Space Debris Removal Mission

Levels of debris in low orbits are inexorably rising, mainly driven by collisions. As the number of individual items of debris increases, further collisions are bound to follow. The most effective way to stave off this chain reaction and stabilize the debris population in key orbits is to remove large items of debris from space. Clean Space is studying an active debris removal mission called e.deorbit, which would target an ESA-owned derelict satellite in low orbit, capture it, then safely burn it up in a controlled atmospheric reentry. The mission is being prepared for approval during the next ESA Council at Ministerial level in late 2016, for a projected launch in 2023. At present there are two concepts under consideration: one using a net and the other a robotic arm. e.deorbit will be the world's first active debris removal mission, and will provide an opportunity for European industries to showcase their technological capabilities to a global audience.

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    Transcript

    00:00:02 [Music] [Music] after 60 years of space activities there are around 29,000 human-made objects larger than 10 cm orbiting around Earth some operational most dead the vast majority of these objects drift freely in orbit at risk of collision a 1 cm object could strike a working satellite with the force of an

    00:00:48 exploding hand grenade any Collision would create more debris which can lead in turn to a Cascade of further collisions as the total space launches per year go on increasing the situation will only grow worse Isa is leading efforts to tackle the problem of space debris this includes developing Technologies to

    00:01:12 actively remove debris focused on a demonstrator mission called Ed orbit Ed orbit will Target a derel Isa owned satellite in a heavily trafficked low orbit to capture it then bring it down to burn up in the atmosphere such a mission will Mark a world first there are three kind of challenges to overcome the first is to identify the target as it tumbles out of control then

    00:01:45 find a safe way to close in then synchronize orbital paths the Second Challenge is to actually capture it in a secure way two alternative mechanisms are currently under study one would use a robotic arm the other would employ a net the final challenge will be to convey this massive item of debris down in a safe and controlled manner Ed orbit

    00:02:13 will be the world First Act of active debris removal the mission will position European industry in the global lead of this emerging space Market success will pay the way in turn for the creation of whole new market sectors and followon services is [Music]