Today (27.05) European Space Agency (ESA) announced in a press release on its official website that astroscalea space debris removal company will cooperate with One Webspace communications company, in partnership projects with ESA to develop a spacecraft capable of collecting satellites in orbit in the lower part of the earth’s atmosphere.

Approximately €14.8 million (US$15.8 million) has been invested in this joint action, and the spacecraft to be built by Astroscale is called “ELZA-Mwhich is slated for release in 2024.

“With thousands of satellites already in orbit and thousands more launched every year, addressing the space debris problem and finding new ways to remove failed spacecraft and other types of space debris is becoming increasingly important – both to reduce the cost of debris. cause damage to satellite operators and ensure the safety and sustainability of outer space,” UK Science Minister George Freeman said in a press release.

What is surprising here is that ELZA-M it will be the first “space scanner” capable of extracting multiple failed satellites from their orbits in a single mission.

After this demo mission astroscale intends by 2030 to extend the satellite removal service to other companies operating constellations of satellites in low Earth orbit and performing conventional satellite operations.

The Importance of Space Debris Removal

OUR One Web It currently has 428 out of 650 communications satellites destined for orbit around 1,200 kilometers above Earth, and removing disabled satellites will help them complete their constellation, but the advantage of removing satellites and space debris goes a little further.

We know that there are tons of debris floating around in space, and NASA even pointed out that 27,000 satellites revolve around the Earth. Therefore, starting to remove them is a matter of reducing the risk of future collisions with other satellites, which could jeopardize various communications between other services on Earth.

Another factor that makes it even more important is the growing space economy, which, as it grows, sees the need to keep space healthy and free from failed satellites and spacecraft, as well as astroscale with their spaceship is one such attempt to clear the Earth’s orbit.

Baby rats made from artificial sperm
Findings show future prospects for infertility treatment

…..

Via: Gizmodo