In a significant step towards space sustainability, three major European space industry players have inked contracts with the European Space Agency (ESA) to develop large low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite platforms adhering to Zero Debris standards. The contracts were signed on June 25, 2024, marking a milestone in the quest to minimize space debris.
The collaborative effort includes Airbus Defence and Space, OHB, and Thales Alenia Space, each tasked with designing zero-debris platforms for large LEO satellites. This initiative aims to pave the way for zero-debris production lines, a crucial move to preserve lower Earth orbits for future use.
Holger Krag, Head of Space Safety at ESA, emphasized the importance of this development. "It is essential to invest in the development of zero-debris compliant spacecraft platforms now. Platforms and their onboard debris prevention measures will have to become more failsafe to preserve the endangered lower Earth orbits for future use," he stated.
The Zero Debris initiative is a response to the growing concern over space debris and its potential threat to space operations. ESA has been a front-runner in advocating for space sustainability, introducing the Zero Debris approach with an ambitious goal to limit debris in Earth and lunar orbits by 2030.
This initiative has already led to new design requirements for ESA’s future missions. The Space Debris Mitigation Standard, issued in 2023, represents the first step towards achieving Zero Debris by 2030. This standard has garnered support from twelve countries and over a hundred companies and institutions, including Airbus Defence and Space, OHB, and Thales Alenia Space.
Tiago Soares, Clean Space lead engineer at ESA, highlighted the collaborative nature of the project. “The space sector in Europe and beyond has come together to show its commitment towards the Zero Debris by 2030 goals. The time has come to make them a reality, and we can only achieve this goal together,” he said.
The contracts mark the beginning of Phase 1, focusing on developing the satellite platform to the System Requirement Review (SRR) level. This phase, set to take about 18 months, will establish a baseline design by considering the main technical options. In Phase 2, prime contractors will collaborate with additional technology suppliers to advance the platforms to the Preliminary Design Review (PDR) level, testing various practical aspects of the designs.
ESA is not only focusing on large satellites but is also exploring zero-debris designs for smaller satellites, including suitcase-size CubeSats. This comprehensive approach ensures that all types of satellites, regardless of size or orbit, will contribute to a sustainable space environment.
The European space industry, backed by ESA, is poised to lead the charge in transitioning towards sustainable space operations. With these developments, the dream of zero-debris satellites is on its way to becoming a reality, promising a cleaner, safer space for future generations.
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