Speaker
Description
The increasing number of space debris in the LEO orbits imposes a significant threat for the space environment. Therefore, mitigation and remedial measures taken against further space debris creation have gained significant importance to provide a safe and sustainable space environment.
D-Orbit’s DeOrbiting Kit (DOK) is an independent autonomous system for LEO missions which will provide a unique solution to mitigate space debris creation by launch adaptors and satellites. It is a ground-installed deorbiting solution which is being designed and developed by D-Orbit as a prime under the Space Safety Programme (S2P). Its main objective is to provide an onboard debris prevention measure for launch adaptors and satellites.
The kit comprises of a suite of equipment that is installed on the ground before the launch of the satellite which is capable of carrying out the necessary functions to safely perform a controlled re-entry of the satellite at its end-of-life or after a failure. The system design comprises of high reliability avionics and COTS sensors which will enable the kit to adapt to different applications.
The target of the In-Orbit Demonstrator (IOD) currently planned to be launched in 2027 is to deorbit a dual launch adaptor (VESPA upper part). The ultimate goal is to develop a modular and scalable concept that would allow the deorbiting kit to be accommodated on other launch adaptors and satellites. This will enable them to be compliant with the ESA zero debris policy to preserve the endangered lower Earth orbits.
