Astroscale Launches ELSA-d Mission for Orbital Debris Removal

Astroscale, a pioneering space company, has initiated its ELSA-d mission. This demonstration showcases the company’s End-of-Life Services by Astroscale (ELSA) technology. The core objective is to successfully connect with and subsequently deorbit existing orbital debris.

ELSA-d Demonstrator Components

The demonstrator consists of two distinct payloads. One is the servicer spacecraft, representing the design of future operational units. The other is a “client” satellite, simulating the debris that Astroscale will eventually remove for its customers.

Launch Details and Background

The Astroscale payload was launched aboard a Soyuz rocket. This launch occurred from Kazakhstan, carrying a total of 38 commercial satellites originating from 18 different nations. This marks the first time an Astroscale spacecraft has reached orbit since the company’s inception in 2013, founded by Nobu Okada.

Previously, in 2017, Astroscale launched a microsatellite intended to measure small debris particles. Unfortunately, a programming error within the launch vehicle resulted in the failure of all 18 satellites on that mission to achieve orbit.

Mission Objectives and Active Demonstration

The ELSA-d mission represents a significantly more complex undertaking. It involves a live, on-orbit demonstration of the technology Astroscale intends to commercialize. The mission plan includes repeated docking and release sequences between the servicer and the client satellite.

The client satellite is equipped with a ferromagnetic plate. This feature aids the servicer in performing a magnetic docking procedure.

Capabilities Being Validated

Astroscale aims to validate several key capabilities through this demonstration. These include the servicer’s ability to locate and identify the client satellite, assess its condition, and then establish a secure connection.

Testing will occur in both stable and unstable scenarios. This encompasses docking with payloads maintaining a fixed orbit, and those tumbling uncontrollably in space.

Mission Control and Future Partnerships

Control of the mission will be managed from a dedicated ground center established by Astroscale in the U.K. Beyond its commercial goals, the company has secured a contract to collaborate with JAXA.

This partnership will focus on JAXA’s pioneering orbital debris removal mission. This mission intends to be the first globally to remove a substantial object – a spent rocket stage – from orbit.