The cosmos, once considered the final frontier, is now becoming crowded with space debris. As we continue to explore and exploit the vast expanse of space, we are leaving behind a trail of orbital debris that poses a significant threat to future space missions.
The issue of space debris became a significant problem in the mid-20th century as space activities escalated. The launch of Sputnik 1 in 1957 marked the beginning of the space age, and with it, the generation of space debris. The problem escalated with the development of satellite constellations, such as the Iridium constellation in the late 1990s. Since then, space agencies and organizations have been working to address the challenges posed by space debris.
What is space debris?
Space debris, also known as orbital debris or space junk, consists of defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, and fragments from previous space missions, all of which orbit Earth at high speeds. With the increasing number of satellite constellations and space activities, the issue of space debris is more pressing than ever.
In order to mitigate the expansion of orbital debris, the FAA suggests a mandate for the removal of upper stages of commercial launch vehicles and any other elements generated during launch or reentry from orbit within 25 years following their launch. This removal can be achieved through either atmospheric disposal or repositioning to an approved disposal orbit, unfortunately, not all companies are following these guidelines.
The growing problem of space debris is not just an environmental issue but also a safety concern for astronauts and satellites and has led to a theoretical scenario called the “Kessler syndrome”.
What is “Kessler syndrome”?
The Kessler syndrome, also known as the Kessler effect, proposed by American astrophysicist Donald J. Kessler in 1978, is described as a single collision that could set off a chain reaction of multiple collisions, generating much more space debris in Earth’s low Earth orbit (LEO). The primary idea behind the Kessler syndrome is that as the amount of space debris in low Earth orbit (LEO) increases, the likelihood of collisions among existing debris and operational satellites also increases.
The process works like this:
Collisions: As space debris collides with operational satellites or other debris, it generates even more fragments and smaller pieces. These fragments continue to orbit the Earth, posing a higher risk of further collisions.
Chain Reaction: Each collision in low Earth orbit (LEO) has the potential to create a cascade of additional collisions. Over time, this can lead to a dense cloud of debris, making it increasingly difficult and risky for spacecraft to navigate through this region.
Increased Risk: As the amount of space debris continues to grow, the probability of future satellite and debris collisions also increases, making space activities riskier.
Escalating Debris: The self-perpetuating nature of the Kessler syndrome can result in a situation where the amount of debris in low Earth orbit (LEO) reaches a critical point, making it nearly impossible for new satellites to operate and increasing the risk to existing ones.
Has space debris hit Earth?
Space debris has indeed re-entered Earth’s atmosphere and sometimes hit the planet’s surface. However, most of it burns up upon re-entry. In some rare cases, debris survives re-entry, causing localized damage. The risk of larger objects causing significant harm is a driving force behind efforts to mitigate space debris.
Is space debris increasing?
Yes, space debris is increasing, primarily due to the proliferation of satellites and space activities. Collisions and breakups of defunct satellites and rocket stages contribute to the growing population of debris in Earth’s orbit. This increase raises concerns about the long-term sustainability of space operations.
How do you detect space debris from space?
Detecting space debris from space is a complex process that involves various technologies, including radar systems and optical sensors. Ground-based radar facilities provide real-time data to satellite operators. In space, dedicated satellites, and sensors, also play a role in tracking and monitoring space debris. These sensors use radar and optical instruments to observe and characterize the objects in Earth’s orbit.
Numerous companies around the world have risen to the challenge, dedicating their resources and expertise to the removal and detection of space debris. These 21 companies are at the forefront of developing cutting-edge technologies and strategies to mitigate the risks associated with space debris, ensuring the continued sustainability of outer space for future generations.
Altius Space Machines
Altius Space Machines, a space robotics and technology company, is actively addressing the issue of space debris. They are developing cooperative servicing interfaces that make satellites easier to identify, repair, upgrade, and dispose of responsibly. Over 300 DogTags™ have been launched to support end-of-life satellite operations and mitigate space debris. They have also partnered with OneWeb Satellites to implement a low-cost, advanced grappling fixture across the OneWeb constellation.
Astroscale
Astroscale, a private orbital debris removal company based in Tokyo, Japan, is actively working on mitigating the growing and hazardous buildup of debris in space. They are developing satellite end-of-life and active debris removal services. One of their key projects is ELSA (End-of-Life Services by Astroscale), which aims to drag satellites that are no longer operating from high altitudes to the planet’s natural incinerator: the oxygen-rich atmosphere at lower Earth orbits.
ClearSpace
ClearSpace, a Swiss startup company, is leading the way in space debris removal. Their mission, ClearSpace-1, aims to remove a VESPA (Vega Secondary Payload Adapter) from orbit. This mission is the first of its kind to remove an existing object from orbit.
Digantara
Digantara, an Indian space situational awareness company, is developing innovative solutions to tackle the problem of space debris. They have signed a contract with Orbital Astronautics Ltd to fly their SCOT (Space-based space Climate and Object Tracker) payload onboard an ORB-6 satellite platform.
D-Orbit
D-Orbit, a leader in space logistics and transportation, is actively working on space debris mitigation. They have developed the D3 Decommissioning Device, an independent, smart rocket motor optimized for decommissioning maneuvers. Installed on satellites before launch, D3 can be activated from the ground even if the main spacecraft bus is unresponsive to perform a quick, safe, and direct disposal maneuver at end-of-life or in case of a major failure.
ExLabs
ExLabs, also known as Exploration Laboratories, is a Long Beach-based aerospace company that is developing technologies for robotic autonomous orbital debris mitigation. They are working on a vessel that will be about five times larger than any other spacecraft currently on the market.
HEO
HEO, a space imaging company, is contributing to the mitigation of space debris by visually monitoring satellites and space debris through non-Earth imaging. They provide intelligence on their satellite inspection software platform, HEO Inspect. HEO leases time on partner companies’ imaging satellites and can task those imagers to take pictures in order to characterize a space object.
Kall Morris
Kall Morris Incorporated (KMI) is an orbital debris research and solution development company that is focused on Active Debris Removal (ADR) to keep space clear for all. With proprietary software, exclusive hardware, and critical partnerships, KMI aims to develop a commercially viable system for ADR of legacy assets, which are significant debris objects that are often unprepared, uncontrolled, and potentially unrecognizable.
Launchspace Technologies
Launchspace Technologies Corporation is a commercial space services company that is addressing the issue of space debris. They have the unique capability of using space-based sensor satellites to detect and track orbital debris that is smaller than currently possible. Their orbital debris remediation spacecraft removes small orbital debris that can damage or destroy satellites and make spaceflight unsafe.
LeoLabs
LeoLabs is a company that is propelling the dynamic space era with superior information through their vertically integrated space operations stack, Vertex™. They provide real-time tracking and powerful insights for satellite operators, commercial enterprises, and federal agencies to safely execute operations in space.
Obruta
Obruta Space Solutions, a startup based in Ottawa, Canada, is working to ensure the sustainability of all spacecraft to create a robust off-world economy. They are developing technologies that focus on spacecraft rendezvous, proximity operations, and docking systems. While developing novel space debris removal technology, they came up with a tethered-net removal technology to monitor the debris in space.
ODIN Space
ODIN Space, a UK-based company, is revolutionizing the tracking of space debris. Their detectors are sensitive to the smallest pieces of orbital debris that are invisible to existing tracking solutions. Using a network of these detectors, they map the orbital debris environment, providing essential insights into the position, size, speed, trajectory, and number of dangerous objects in both Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Geostationary Orbit (GEO).
Orbit Fab
Orbit Fab, also known as the “Gas Stations in Space” company, is making significant strides in addressing the issue of space debris. They are supporting ClearSpace’s CLEAR mission to clean up the congested space environment by equipping ClearSpace’s debris removal satellites with refueling capabilities. To refuel in orbit, ClearSpace will integrate Orbit Fab’s RAFTI™ refueling valve into their Active Debris Removal (ADR) satellite design.
OrbitGuardians
OrbitGuardians, a U.S.-based startup, is a leading commercial provider of Active Debris Removal (ADR) services. Their primary mission is to safeguard space workers, tourists, operating satellites, and the forecasted $3 trillion space economy by actively removing dangerous debris before the Kessler Syndrome becomes reality. They use technologies such as computer vision, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to analyze, monitor, and remove debris of size smaller than 20 cm from space.
PIAP Space
PIAP Space, a daughter company of Łukasiewicz Research Network – Industrial Research Institute for Automation and Measurements, is dedicated to space-related industry activities. They are particularly interested in developing technologies in the areas of Active Debris Removal, Manipulators & End-Effectors, On Orbit Satellite Servicing, Human-Robot Interaction, Vision Systems and mechanisms.
Share My Space
Share My Space is a company that is dedicated to ensuring the safety and sustainability of space operations. They collect, process, and leverage space situational awareness data to protect critical assets in space. By actively monitoring space debris, satellites, and derelicts, they help operators and space agencies proactively avoid threats and adjust orbital paths. They provide real-time traffic mapping and unparalleled support for all who share the use of orbits. Their mission is to protect this unique and limited resource that is essential for the future of space exploration.
Solstorm
Solstorm, a Norwegian startup, is actively addressing the issue of space debris. They have developed a system called Magbreak, which enables hybrid propulsion systems to deorbit rockets and satellites without the use of external engines or propellants. Their vision is a world without space debris, and they are committed to ensuring long-term sustainability through end-to-end active removal of spent space assets. They are also planning to launch the Nimbus satellite in 2024 to demonstrate commercial waste disposal of space assets.
Surrey Satellite Technology
Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) is a pioneer in the active removal of space debris. They designed and manufactured the Remove Debris satellite platform, which hosted payloads for use in debris removal demonstrations. The Remove Debris mission, launched in 2018, achieved the first-ever in-orbit demonstration of space debris capture and performed four active space debris removal technology demonstrations. These demonstrations tested novel technologies, representative of an operational scenario during a low-cost mission.
Thales Alenia Space
Thales Alenia Space is a leader in the field of space debris mitigation. They are developing Start, a fleet of in-orbit service vehicles that will intervene in orbit to capture debris, deorbit end-of-life satellites, and also repair or refuel. Thales Alenia Space is also offering a new on-orbit servicing solution that includes controlled reentry of space debris, robotic manipulation, extending a satellite’s service life, in-orbit refueling, and inspection.
Voyager Space Holdings
Voyager Space Holdings, a global leader in space exploration, is actively working on the issue of space debris. They are developing technology solutions to prevent further debris creation and manage existing debris. These solutions include converting spent rockets into space stations, relocating or de-orbiting debris, and harvesting valuable metals and other materials.
Vyoma
Vyoma, a pioneering German startup, is focused on space debris monitoring. They have entered into a strategic partnership with Bulgarian cubesat specialist EnduroSat to develop a constellation of pilot satellites aimed at tracking and cataloging space debris in low Earth Orbit (LEO). Vyoma’s goal is to track objects in LEO using a constellation of observation satellites, then use machine learning to automate collision avoidance procedures for clients’ satellites.
The issue of space debris is a growing concern that threatens the safety and sustainability of space activities. Companies are actively working on innovative solutions to detect, track, and remove space debris. Their efforts are not only vital for the protection of valuable space assets but also for ensuring the long-term sustainability of space exploration and satellite operations.
As the space industry continues to expand, the work of these companies will become increasingly critical, contributing to a cleaner and safer space environment for future generations.
