How can D-Orbit contribute to reducing space debris?

D-Orbit’s original concept was to develop and sell smart propulsive devices that could be applied to satellites before launch, allowing them to be brought back to Earth at the end of their mission or placed in a dedicated cemetery orbit in case of major failure. This helps prevent satellites from becoming space debris and reduces the risk of collisions with operational satellites or falling back to Earth unpredictably.

How many satellites currently need to be de-orbited?

Since the first object was sent to space in 1957, over 6,000 satellites have been launched. Out of these, more than 5,000 are now space debris, while less than 1,000 are still operational. With the expected increase in satellite launches in the future, especially with the emergence of satellite constellations with shorter operational lifespans, the number of satellites in orbit is expected to increase significantly.

What are the immediate risks if de-orbiting is not addressed promptly?

If failed satellites within a satellite constellation are not cleared from orbit quickly, they can pose serious risks to other satellites within the same constellation. As satellite constellations become more common and space becomes more crowded, the risk of collisions in orbit increases, highlighting the urgent need for effective de-orbiting measures. D-Orbit aims to provide solutions for orbital clearance maneuvers to help mitigate this risk.

What are the major challenges in decommissioning a satellite?

For D-Orbit, the main challenges are not technical, as they have a strong solution and know how the system works. Solid propulsion is seen as the most effective way to decommission a satellite both technically and financially. The main challenge is convincing customers to adopt their technology, and to demonstrate its effectiveness. D-Orbit plans to launch their first satellite, D-Sat, in Q1 2017, which will be the first satellite in history to be actively and controlledly removed through their dedicated device.

What is the cost of retrieving a satellite from space?

The cost of retrieving a satellite from space depends on factors such as the size of the satellite and its operational orbit. For satellites in lower Earth orbits (LEO) at altitudes of 400 to 600 km, and for small satellites, the devices can be smaller and less expensive. For mega constellations in LEO orbits, D-Orbit has designed a dedicated device that is lightweight and cost-effective. The cost can range from less than €100,000 to a few million euros, depending on the number of satellites in the constellation and their size and orbit.

What are the advantages and challenges of using electric propulsion?

Electric propulsion is gaining popularity as a trend, particularly for geostationary satellites at 36,000 km altitude. Electric propulsion offers advantages such as reliability, precision, and effectiveness in altitude control or station-keeping maneuvers. However, it may not be efficient for maneuvers that require significant orbital transfers due to the low thrust provided. D-Orbit expects improvements in efficiency, weight, intelligence, and reliability of electric propulsion motors in the future.