A new method of tracking tiny particles of space debris has passed the first demonstration test in orbit, according to its developers, ODIN Space of London. Over the past two years, ODIN has developed and validated technology to detect and monitor space debris that is too small to be recorded using current methods. The company’s first demonstration sensor was integrated into the D-Orbit ION satellite, which entered orbit as part of the SpaceX Transporter-8 mission launched on June 12.

Now, after more than a week in orbit, ODIN has confirmed that its sensors onboard D-Orbit are working and picking up light acoustic vibrations from its main satellite. For this demonstration flight, the ODIN debris sensor was set to exceptionally high sensitivity to ensure that even the smallest readings from the ION satellite could be detected.

There are tens of thousands of pieces of traceable debris in orbit around Earth, and that number is expected to grow exponentially in the 2030s and beyond as the space economy continues to grow. Using current technology, only pieces of debris larger than 4 inches (10 centimeters) can be tracked. ODIN hopes its technology will help track sub-centimeter-sized debris that moves almost invisibly at bullet speeds and poses a threat to satellites, space stations and other orbital infrastructures.

“We will now focus on providing our customers with next-generation space data and sending many more sensors to each orbit,” said James New, ODIN CEO and co-founder, in an ODIN press release. , we can maximize growth and support sustainability in space.”

ODIN now plans to expand the technology to bring it to the commercial market. Once up and running, ODIN’s sub-centimeter sensor will be able to track the size, location, and velocity and trajectory of debris as small as 1/250 inch (0.1 millimeter) for the first time. With this orbital mapping, ODIN aims to create complex models of sub-centimeter debris to improve situational awareness for thousands of satellites orbiting the Earth. Source