Astroscale, a Japanese venture, has successfully completed the critical design review (CDR) of its ELSA-M servicer, marking a significant step towards removing defunct satellites from low Earth orbit (LEO). The British subsidiary of Astroscale announced the milestone on June 4th, paving the way for the assembly, integration, and testing of the 500-kilogram flight model.
ELSA-M, or End-of-Life Services by Astroscale-Multiple, is primarily funded by Astroscale with support from the UK Space Agency. The servicer is designed to capture a defunct OneWeb satellite using a magnetic mechanism and a compatible docking plate. It will then guide the satellite on a controlled path for atmospheric burn-up.
The CDR milestone was validated by Eutelsat, OneWeb's owner, and the European Space Agency. This demonstration, initially planned for 2024, is a precursor to a commercial de-orbit service that Astroscale aims to launch around 2030. ELSA-M builds upon a smaller demonstration in 2021, showcasing Astroscale's growing capabilities in the field of space debris removal.
Unlike its predecessor, ELSA-M is designed to de-orbit multiple spacecraft in a single mission, increasing its efficiency and impact. Astroscale is also competing for a separate UK Space Agency contract to remove two satellites from LEO, going up against Swiss startup ClearSpace. This advancement highlights the growing importance of addressing space debris for the sustainability of space activities.
The successful development of ELSA-M represents a crucial step in mitigating the growing problem of space debris. This technology has the potential to significantly reduce the risk of collisions in orbit, ensuring the long-term viability of space exploration and satellite operations. The project also underscores the increasing collaboration between international organizations in addressing this global challenge.
Twitter Updates:
@SpaceIntelReport: "Astroscale's ELSA-M passes CDR! Huge step forward for space debris removal. This multi-satellite servicer is a game changer. #SpaceDebris #Astroscale #ELSA-M"
@UKSpaceAgency: "Great news! We're proud to support Astroscale's ELSA-M project. Cleaning up space is vital for future missions. #SpaceSustainability #UKSpace"
@OneWeb: "Excited to see the progress on ELSA-M! Partnering with Astroscale to ensure responsible space operations. #SpaceSafety #OneWeb"