Speakers
Description
The sustainability of the orbital environment has become an operational requirement in satellite system design. In the context of ESA’s Zero Debris policy, European industry is expected to minimize the creation of new debris while ensuring safe, reliable end-of-life disposal for future missions. This contribution presents the results of a system-level study on how European satellites based on SITAEL Empyreum (~200 kg) and PLATiNO-class (~350 kg) small multi-mission platforms can evolve to achieve Zero Debris compliance by 2030. The activity translates policy-level objectives into platform design solutions through a structured approach encompassing requirement consolidation, cross-disciplinary trade-offs, supplier consultation, and SRR-level platform definition. Three representative LEO mission scenarios were analysed to capture the range of disposal and operational challenges faced by small satellites, varying orbital parameters (400–600 km altitude; SSO and mid-inclination) as well as platform size and operational constraints (e.g., implications of constellation operations). Five Zero Debris technical objectives were addressed: design for demise, reliable disposal, health monitoring, collision-risk mitigation, and preparation for removal. The study indicates that full demisability is realistically achievable for the smaller platform class, whereas larger platforms require targeted design adaptations and further technology maturation, including demisable tanks and actuators. Reliable disposal emerges as a key driver. Passive or semi-passive de-orbit solutions, such as electrostatic tethers, are identified as the most promising baseline, complemented by independent passivation and disposal watchdogs to meet stringent reliability targets. AI-based health monitoring and autonomous collision-avoidance capabilities, co-optimised with other operational needs, are highlighted as critical enablers to ensure end-of-life controllability and timely risk mitigation. The resulting platform concepts move end-of-life functions from “best effort” to a design baseline, while preserving the modularity and competitiveness of European small satellites. A consolidated technology roadmap is proposed, identifying the developments required to reach TRL 6 and enable Zero Debris-ready small platforms for future missions.