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A small satellite captured space debris with the help of a clawed harpoon. The trial represents an important technological advance considering our junk food problem in space.
The research project, called RemoveDEBRIS, aims to test various technologies for removing space waste. The project, which involves a 220-pound satellite in Low Earth Orbit, is led by the University of Surrey and involves a consortium of space companies and research institutes, with funding coming from the University of Surrey. European Union, according to a statement.
In a recent test, the satellite RemoveDEBRIS fired a harpoon at a target 10 cm wide held by a 1.5 m long pole, the BBC reported. The harpoon reached the target in aluminum honeycomb at a speed of 20 meters per second. In a video published by the University of Surrey, the claws located at the end of the harpoon dig the target into contact, thus allowing a firm lock. The object was torn off the pole, which was not a problem since the harpoon is connected by wire to the satellite.
In a statement, Guglielmo Aglietti, director of the Surrey Space Center, said that this RemoveDEBRIS experiment was "the most demanding" and "a testament to all concerned".
This is the third successful test for RemoveDEBRIS. Previously, the satellite used a network to capture a simulated draft in space, and a laser camera system was used to locate a floating block of space debris. A fourth and final experiment will take place in March, when the satellite will pump the brakes by deploying a small sail. With its greatly diminished speed, the satellite, and in theory all that it has captured, will fall back on the Earth and will be consumed in the autumn.
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This latter realization, in which a harpoon was used to capture debris in orbit, is important considering all the waste accumulating in low Earth orbit.
The US space monitoring network estimates that about 29,000 objects over 10 centimeters are currently in Earth orbit, some at speeds approaching 10 km / s or 6 km / s.
Solutions such as those presented by the RemoveDEBRIS project could help us clean the space above us before a disaster strikes. Pieces from abandoned rockets, lost tools, broken spaceship pieces and other objects may break valuable equipment. Through such collisions, space wastes will create even more waste of space.
"Space debris can have serious consequences on our communications systems if they crush satellites," said Chris Skidmore, UK Minister of Universities, Science, Research and Innovation, in the statement. "This inspiring project shows that British experts are providing answers to this potential problem using a harpoon, a tool that people have used throughout their history."
I want to congratulate the team of RemoveDEBRIS, who is now three out of three with his tests. The fingers are crossed for the March experience.
[University of Surrey, BBC]
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