(Astroscale)
Private space company Astroscale successfully completed the first test of magnetic capture technology for near-earth satellites.
It is expected that this will help to create a device for capturing near-earth satellites from orbit.
Many options are proposed to reduce the problem of space debris, which is becoming more serious as the number of satellites in low-Earth orbit increases.
Some of those specialized vehicles are capable of catching fragments of debris with a net, others have an adhesive layer for adhesion of debris.
Another idea is to extend the life of satellites already launched into space with the help of others that can dock with them, acting as an additional set of engines with a reserve of fuel.
The private company Astroscale Holdings is currently working on the ELSA (End-of-Life Services by Astroscale) project to create devices for searching, capturing and towing spent near-earth satellites.
ELSA-d was the first mission under the project to demonstrate the basic technologies required for docking and debris removal.
The mission started on March 22, 2021, when two spacecraft were launched into space using a Soyuz launch vehicle.
The heavier service module has a magnetic gripping mechanism, while the smaller client module has a ferromagnetic docking plate.
On August 25, the service module first unlocked the mechanism by releasing the client module, and then, when it flew a short distance, started the engines and docked with it again.
The entire test lasted for several tens of seconds.
The company will now move on to more complex maneuvers, which include flying around the client module to inspect it, as well as capturing the tumbling module.
Tests will be carried out over the next few months, after which the vehicles will be de-orbited.
Source:
- Astroscale: https://astroscale.com/astroscales-elsa-d-successfully-demonstrates-repeated-magnetic-capture/
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