SA scientists take catch-and-burn approach to space junk

24 June 2016 - 11:30 By TMG Digital

Researchers at Stellenbosch University are working with their European counterparts to demonstrate new technology to remove space debris in orbit around the earth. Led by Professor Herman Steyn of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering‚ the Satellite Research Group and its spin-out company CubeSpace are involved in a European project called RemoveDEBRIS.They aim to demonstrate‚ by mid-2017‚ how a microsatellite can be used to deploy a net to “capture” a piece of debris in space and deorbit it so that it burns up in the Earth's atmosphereThe Satellite Research Group and CubeSpace have developed and delivered flight control systems for two nanosatellites. A microsatellite called RemoveSAT will release‚ capture and deorbit one of the nanosatellites.Steyn said RemoveSAT would eject a net towards the “debris”‚ wrapping itself around the target."This experiment will demonstrate net capturing as a future practical method of (active debris removal)‚" said Steyn.The second nanosatellite will deploy its solar panels and perform a series of manoeuvres directed by the Satellite Research Group's attitude control system."The visual-based navigation experiment (including a camera and laser rangefinder) will be used to collect data and images of debris which will later be processed on the ground‚" he said.Steyn said active debris removal technology was important because “the number and density of damaging space debris such as rocket bodies and satellites orbiting the earth are predicted to rise in the future”.“These act as mass reservoirs holding the potential to release thousands of dangerous new fragments if they are involved in a catastrophic collision with another object. They also have the potential to negatively constrain future space operations.”..

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