Speaker
Description
In view of satellite technology advancements, a diverse array of satellites with varying objectives, from simple in-orbit demonstrations to complex missions, are being deployed in Earth's orbit. Recent decades have seen new space actors priorities cost, leading to advancements in equipment miniaturization and resource optimization. This trend, however, has contributed to an increase in orbital spacecraft, and not always with an end-of-life deorbiting plan in order to avoid creation of space debris. The European Space Agency defines space debris as non-functional, human-made objects in orbit or reentering the atmosphere. The growing number of defunct satellites poses a risk to current and future missions, prompting ESA's Zero Debris Policy and the ESA Space Debris Mitigation Requirements standard for cleaner space operations. This presentation outlines the necessary methods to demonstrate compliance with key SDMR requirements, mainly those related to RAMS and FDIR, such as the probabilities of successful disposal, passivation, accidental break-up, health monitoring, and collision due to on-board failures, as well as decision-making processes with regards to life extension or disposal.