Speaker
Description
Space traffic is growing rapidly, and with it, the need for in-orbit servicing (IOS) solutions. Large constellations in low Earth orbit (LEO) are providing essential services, but are also increasing the number of objects, and therefore de-bris, in space and the risk of key orbits becoming unusable. Strategic and proactive approaches to safeguarding our space environment for future generations are championed through programmes such as ESA’s Zero Debris initiative, which not only considers services for post-mission disposal, but also encourages the development of enabling technologies and policies to maintain the safe use of LEO orbits for the benefit of humankind. Astroscale is preparing to conduct the world’s first prepared satellite debris removal mission, with a full-sized representative constellation customer in OneWeb, while working in parallel to develop in-orbit capabilities which underpin commercial in-orbit services and are essential to the concept of a circular space economy.
Building on the success of ELSA-d, an in-orbit demonstration of core Rendezvous and Proximity Operation (RPO) capabilities necessary to achieve debris removal, Astroscale is developing ELSA-M, a servicer which can remove multiple clients. ELSA-M will dock with a prepared client, lower their orbit, and drop them off for uncontrolled re-entry before moving on to the next client. Developed with prime OneWeb as part of the ESA Sunrise programme, the ELSA-M in-orbit demonstration is planned to launch in the 2025 timeframe and the team are currently working to-wards CDR. This paper will give an overview of the critical technical developments, both in the space segment and ground segment, that Astroscale have been advancing to mature from ELSA-d to the ELSA-M commercial servicer.
The ELSA-M in-orbit demonstration is the next step towards Astroscale realising a commercial removal service, after which Astroscale is preparing for high-volume production. This paper will highlight how Astroscale’s services fit within the European ecosystem, emphasising a commercial roadmap which shows the value proposition of the services and benefits to prospective customers. The need for end-of-life (EOL) services is under-stood by commercial operators and institutions, but companies proposing such services must overcome perceived customer sensitivities including cost, risk, and service flexibility. Additionally, many of the technologies at the core of debris removal, such as in-orbit inspection and close proximity operations (CPO), have wider applications in commercial in-orbit servicing.
Astroscale is working with clients to prepare their satellite for removal through docking plates, building a common understanding on behavioural norms and safety standards for complex operations such as CPOs, and utilising state-of-the-art technologies to prepare for future services such as refuelling and in-orbit assembly. Within this paper, the author will provide an overview of Astroscale’s docking plate solution, a simple, low-cost, ‘bolt-on’ solution with the potential to mitigate higher costs at EOL, highlight Astroscale’s involvement in initiatives to develop guidelines for RPO, including work with CONFERS and Japanese counterparts in preparation for the ADRAS-J mission, and demonstrate the inherent links between ADR and EOL in unlocking the future of space sustainability.
