Astroscale, a leader in space sustainability, has announced detailed plans for the final phase of its End-of-Life Services by Astroscale-demonstration (ELSA-d) mission. The mission has been dedicated to testing and demonstrating technologies critical to space debris removal, with a focus on the controlled and safe de-orbiting of the ELSA-d servicer satellite. Astroscale’s Operations Team has detailed a series of small, controlled burns at consistent intervals to carry out this complex operation. Each maneuver provides a unique opportunity to gather valuable data, specifically around optimizing the burn-and-wait periods for de-orbiting procedures. With the accumulation of data and iterative improvements, the team will be able to generate a clearer timeline for the satellite’s de-orbit. The de-orbiting process is expected to span several months, with the objective of completing operations within 2023. The method involves utilizing the servicer satellite’s remaining propellant to gradually lower its orbit into the denser regions of Earth’s atmosphere, followed by a swift and safe re-entry and burn-up. The client satellite is projected to de-orbit naturally over several years. Astroscale expressed gratitude to its partners and supporters who have contributed to this mission to make space sustainability a reality.
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