The number of space debris in Earth orbit continues to grow.
There is a special term that describesproblem: Kessler's syndrome. This is a theoretical development of events in near-Earth orbit, when space debris, which appeared as a result of numerous launches of artificial satellites, leads to the complete unsuitability of near space for practical use. Employees of the British startup Astroscale figured out how to solve the problem by removing failed satellites from orbit. They recently released a promotional video for a new project - ELSA-M.
ELSA-M system (abbreviation for End of Life Servicesfrom Astroscale-Multiple) is designed to pair with an existing satellite, transfer it to a lower orbit and speed up re-entry. There it will burn.
The hardware of the device is equippedpneumatic and magnetic kit that allows you to connect to the satellite. A special QR code helps to determine the orientation of the client satellite and transmits some other information to the ELSA-M service center.
Representatives of Astroscale recommendusers to contact them directly to plan the deorbiting of an end-of-life satellite. Most providers understand the dangers of space debris. However, there is no regulatory framework that requires them to comply with the technology requirements proposed by Astroscale or anyone else to ensure the safe disposal of failed equipment. It's also unclear when or if it will appear at all.
The video below shows how the technology works.
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