Speakers
Description
In the last years many space agencies and national entities have raised the problematic of introducing and/or already introduced Space Debris Mitigation (SDM) requirements within the design and development of the next generation of space missions, LEO scenarios/platforms in particular. The introduction those SDM requirements has a not negligible impact both at system and sub-system level on platforms’ design. Those technologies shall guarantee compliance with acting regulation not only under nominal conditions but also in case of failures bringing to an unexpected EoL event that would turn to the need of performing an ADR. Following the failure of a S/C, and at the scope of performing ADR, one of the critical aspects to be guaranteed is the feasibility of capturing, stabilizing and de-orbiting the failed/uncontrolled S/C. This need clearly asks for navigation and mechanical solutions/devices to be carried on-board new generation of EO S/C (target passive interface with integrated navigation aids) and to be taken into account by any future SSV vehicle targeting the active ADR role.
MICE is a follow-up of previous PRINCE activity, concerning the design, manufacturing and test of the passive mechanical interface to be installed on future EO satellites for its capture and later de-orbiting after End of Life. With this heritage, a review of the interface concept and iteration on the design has been performed. In addition to analyses of the different aspects concerned a testing campaign was carried out in order to demonstrate fulfilment of all requirements up to TRL6 and show feasibility of the capture of the failed satellite under the operational environment defined.
Ultimately, MICE objective is to become a standard element to be implemented in next future European missions. It is critical to guide the design of MICE towards a definitive and optimal solution of passive interface, linked to an active capture concept that cannot be separated from the passive side specification.
