The ELSA-d (End-of-Life Services by Astroscale demonstration) system was launched into orbit on March 22. The cleaner itself weighs 175 kg. Together with him on
The two machines are held together by a system of special magnets that are designed to collect garbage.The "cleaner" then released the model debris again and so on several times.During the demonstration, Astroscale engineers tested and calibrated the proximity sensors.They are the ones that ensure the safe approach of the capturing objects.
Astroscale said more complex tests will be carried out in the coming months. Over the entire time, people have launched more than 11,000 satellites into orbit, and millions of debris of different sizes orbit the Earth.
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