Astroscale UK, a subsidiary of the Tokyo-headquartered orbital debris removal company Astroscale Holdings Inc., has recently achieved a major milestone ahead of its first UK mission—COSMIC—Clearing Outer Space Mission through Innovative Capture. As space technology has become increasingly used in modern science, there is a growing concern surrounding the amount of space technology debris floating around in space. Let's explore the COSMIC mission and its significance in establishing sustainable methods for tracking and reducing space debris.
The Significance of Clearing Space Debris
Understanding the importance of removing space debris and the risks it poses to spacecraft and space infrastructure.
Space debris poses a significant collision risk to spacecraft and space infrastructure, endangering critical space assets that are vital for modern life applications. By clearing up space debris, we can prevent the Kessler Syndrome, a scenario where the density of space debris becomes too high for satellite use due to collisions.
Protecting satellites from collision with space debris is crucial for ensuring the continuity of communication, navigation, Earth observation, and research. The COSMIC mission aims to establish sustainable methods of tracking and reducing space debris, safeguarding future space endeavors.
Astroscale's Milestone Achievement: Completing System Requirements Review
Exploring the significance of Astroscale's successful completion of the System Requirements Review (SRR) for the COSMIC mission.
The System Requirements Review (SRR) is a critical milestone in any project, assessing the functional, performance, technical, and security requirements. Astroscale's successful completion of the SRR for the COSMIC mission marks a significant stride towards realizing safe and sustainable space activities.
This achievement highlights the effective collaboration between Astroscale and the UK Space Agency, positioning the company to further develop its commercial in-orbit servicing economy. The next major milestone for the COSMIC mission is the preliminary design review planned for 2024.
The COSMIC Mission: Clearing Space Debris
Understanding the objectives and technology behind the COSMIC mission in clearing space debris.
The COSMIC mission aims to retrieve two types of defunct satellites owned by the UK that have become space debris in Earth's orbit. These satellites, weighing less than 100 kilograms, have been lingering in space for over three decades.
Astroscale's innovative technology, including a lightweight version of a robotic arm used on the International Space Station, overcomes the limitations of previous space debris removal missions. The autonomous navigation software and robotic arm will capture the old satellites and drag them into a low orbit, where they will burn up upon reentry into the Earth's atmosphere.
Challenges of Capturing and Retrieving Space Debris
Exploring the difficulties and uncertainties involved in capturing and retrieving space debris for the COSMIC mission.
Capturing and retrieving space debris presents significant challenges, especially in predicting the condition of debris after extended periods in space. The COSMIC mission faces uncertainties regarding the structural integrity and potential damage of the targeted defunct satellites.
To overcome these challenges, Astroscale plans to utilize autonomous navigation software and a robotic arm built by the same company that produced Canadarm2. The robotic arm will capture the satellites by their adapter rings and drag them into a low orbit, ensuring their safe disposal.
Future Steps and Collaborative Initiatives
Looking ahead to the future steps of Astroscale and the UK's collaborative initiatives in cleaning up space debris.
With the successful completion of the System Requirements Review, Astroscale is one step closer to developing a system capable of approaching, analyzing, and capturing satellites without special features for capture.
Astroscale plans to further refine the COSMIC mission and aims to pass the preliminary design review in 2024. Through programs like COSMIC, the UK is positioning itself as a global leader in cleaning up space and ensuring the sustainability of space activities for future generations.
Conclusion
The successful completion of the System Requirements Review (SRR) for Astroscale's COSMIC mission marks a significant milestone in the effort to remove space debris and ensure the sustainability of space activities. By clearing up space debris, we can protect critical space assets and prevent the Kessler Syndrome from becoming a reality.
Astroscale's innovative technology, including a lightweight robotic arm, overcomes the challenges of capturing and retrieving space debris. The COSMIC mission aims to retrieve defunct satellites and dispose of them safely, contributing to the establishment of sustainable methods for tracking and reducing space debris.
Looking ahead, Astroscale plans to refine the COSMIC mission and continue collaborating with the UK Space Agency. Through initiatives like COSMIC, the UK is taking a leading role in cleaning up space and ensuring the future of space exploration and research.