How To Clean Up Space Junk

TL;DR

Swiss scientists have developed Clean Space One, a satellite designed to remove space junk and prevent collisions with existing satellites, by using a soft elastomer grabber to securely hold and dispose of debris.

Transcript

On October the fourth, 1957 the first satellite, Sputnik I, was launched into space. Although it burned up in the atmosphere three months later, many satellites launched since then have not, leaving us with a virtual junk yard orbiting the earth. Now those debris represent a real threat to the television communications and GPS satellites, not to me... Read More

Key Insights

• 👨‍🚀 Space debris poses a significant threat to satellite communication systems and manned spacecraft.
• 🛰️ Clean Space One, developed by the Swiss Space Center, is a program designed to remove space debris and demonstrate the capability of a janitor satellite.
• 🥹 The mission involves using an efficient propulsion system and a compliant grabber to securely hold and dispose of space junk.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does space debris pose a threat to satellites and astronauts?

Space debris, moving at high speeds, can cause serious damage to operational satellites and even manned spacecraft, endangering communication systems and astronauts' lives.

Q: What is Clean Space One's mission and how does it work?

Clean Space One's mission is to remove one or two satellites from orbit using an efficient propulsion system to reach the target. The satellite is equipped with a compliant grabber designed to securely hold and dispose of the space junk.

Q: Has anyone successfully removed space junk before?

To date, no one has successfully removed space junk from orbit. Clean Space One aims to be the first spacecraft to achieve this feat.

Q: What are the long-term plans for cleaning up space debris?

The Swiss scientists aim to systematically remove large debris at a rate of five or more per year, starting in 2020. This would help contain the increase in debris density in lower Earth orbit and make space more accessible.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Satellites launched into space have created a debris field, posing a threat to television communications, GPS satellites, and astronauts.

• Clean Space One, developed by the Swiss Space Center, is a program aimed at removing debris and demonstrating the capability of a janitor satellite.

• The mission involves using an efficient propulsion system and a compliant grabber to rendezvous with and securely remove space junk.