Speaker
Description
The increasing density of space debris in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) poses a significant threat to the sustainability of future space operations. To address this, the SWIFT project, an ESA-funded initiative under the ARTES program led by a SPACEO, aims to develop a cost-effective and scalable de-orbiting solution for end-of-mission satellites. This presentation outlines the technical developments achieved during the project’s initial phases leading up to the successful Preliminary Design Review (PDR).
Key developments include comprehensive de-orbiting and mission analyses, the architectural definition of the inflatable drag device, the selection of high-performance thin-film materials capable of withstanding the harsh LEO environment, design of a specialized deployment mechanism and definition of inflation system. Significant engineering effort was dedicated to system requirement reviews, rigorous thermal and structural calculations and extensive deorbiting simulations. The completion of the PDR milestone marks the freezing of the preliminary design, confirming the feasibility of the SWIFT system’s high-level configuration and its readiness for the detailed design phase. These results demonstrate the critical role of innovative passive de-orbiting technologies in complying with "Zero Debris" policies and reinforcing European leadership in space sustainability.