Speaker
Description
The proposed presentation gives an overview of the results of the Zero Debris (ZD) Phase 1 study carried out by Airbus Defence and Space in 2024-2025. It was examined how to modify the Airbus large LEO platforms to meet the ESA Zero Debris requirements that will be applicable in 2030.
The first goal of the study was to critically review and consolidate the proposed space debris mitigation requirements and identify the associated design drivers as well as the potential technology gaps. The second goal was to identify needed technology developments and to establish a technical roadmap for LEO platforms to ensure they do not contribute to the growing problem of space debris in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The study goals were supported by the evaluation of 5 technical objectives: fully demisable platform (where the satellite burns up completely upon re-entry), modular controlled re-entry, improvement of system resilience, operations mitigating MMOD impacts and preparation of satellites for Active Debris Removal (ADR).
Three study case missions were considered during the study to better understand the impacts and challenges related to the ZD requirements. The selected missions were two real missions Cristal and LSTM and a hybrid satellite based on Cristal platform but with a different orbit and propulsion system. The missions represent different orbits, re-entry strategies, propulsion systems and payloads to give a broader view of the impacts.
Challenging requirements have been identified as well as technical gaps: the gaps are related to the availability of technical solutions but as well to the availability of methodologies and modelling tools for the assessment of the compliance to the Zero Debris requirements. This is applying most notably to break-up prediction, vulnerability assessment and fragmentation prediction following collisions with micro-meteoroids or orbital debris (MMOD) and to statistical demisability analysis.
Finally, a possible roadmap for implementation of the identified technologies on-board Airbus satellite platform is proposed. To improve demisability, the study suggests moving toward demisable components, such as aluminium-based reaction wheels and specialized hydrazine tanks. To enhance system resilience, the study team proposes the integration of monitoring cameras to detect collisions and the use of adapted shielding or accommodation to protect critical components required for end-of-life operations. Also new HW solutions to support passivation and ADR are proposed.
To conclude, the ZD study technical objectives and their status is presented. While the study has successfully achieved the technical objectives related to modular re-entry readiness and ADR compatibility, it has been shown that achieving a fully demisable platform and assessing MMOD impacts, including fragmentation risks, there remain significant challenges.