Session
Pre-Conference Workshop Session IV: Advanced Concepts II
Location
Utah State University, Logan, UT
Abstract
Although advances in small satellite technologies has allowed for the development of large constellations and has made space more accessible to all, space debris is a growing concern within the space community. Every year, an increasing number of small satellites are launched, adding to the already high number of objects currently in low-Earth orbit. When considering the infinite possibilities of space mission architectures it is important not just to focus on the advancements in science and technology, but also to consider the sustainability of the spacecraft and its impact on its environment. If the challenge of space debris is not addressed, the amount of debris through collisions could increase exponentially, eventually rendering spaceflight too dangerous to conduct in some orbits. Agencies such as the IADC have taken note and guidelines have now been codified as international standards. Low-cost satellites are under increasing pressure to meet debris mitigation guidelines and failure to comply could result in a launch licence being denied.
In response to the growing number of small satellites (10-500kg) unable to de-orbit from low-Earth orbit within 25 years, Cranfield University has developed a family of drag augmentation systems (DAS). The DAS are lightweight, cost-effective sails deployed at end of mission and are reliable solutions for de-orbiting small satellites, aiding in the sustainable use of space. This paper details three drag sails currently in orbit, designed, manufactured and tested at Cranfield University and will discuss the findings from recent studies exploring the scalability of the sails and the short- and medium-term deployment dynamics of two deployed DAS sails. DAS appear to be a practical and effective means for sustainable operations, acting as a versatile de-orbit sail for small satellites.
Drag Augmentation Systems for Space Debris Mitigation
Utah State University, Logan, UT
Although advances in small satellite technologies has allowed for the development of large constellations and has made space more accessible to all, space debris is a growing concern within the space community. Every year, an increasing number of small satellites are launched, adding to the already high number of objects currently in low-Earth orbit. When considering the infinite possibilities of space mission architectures it is important not just to focus on the advancements in science and technology, but also to consider the sustainability of the spacecraft and its impact on its environment. If the challenge of space debris is not addressed, the amount of debris through collisions could increase exponentially, eventually rendering spaceflight too dangerous to conduct in some orbits. Agencies such as the IADC have taken note and guidelines have now been codified as international standards. Low-cost satellites are under increasing pressure to meet debris mitigation guidelines and failure to comply could result in a launch licence being denied.
In response to the growing number of small satellites (10-500kg) unable to de-orbit from low-Earth orbit within 25 years, Cranfield University has developed a family of drag augmentation systems (DAS). The DAS are lightweight, cost-effective sails deployed at end of mission and are reliable solutions for de-orbiting small satellites, aiding in the sustainable use of space. This paper details three drag sails currently in orbit, designed, manufactured and tested at Cranfield University and will discuss the findings from recent studies exploring the scalability of the sails and the short- and medium-term deployment dynamics of two deployed DAS sails. DAS appear to be a practical and effective means for sustainable operations, acting as a versatile de-orbit sail for small satellites.
