Abstract
There are now quite a number of active programs around the world that are seeking to address the orbital space debris problem through remediation practices. In a few cases there are on-orbit servicing (also known as in-orbit servicing) programs that could also be utilized to assist with orbital debris remediation programs. The diversity of approach in terms of different technologies, governmentally-backed versus commercial approach, as well as differing economic models and maturity of program development is clearly quite large. Because of these quite divergent approaches, it is difficult to provide a comparative analysis of these various efforts that is systematic and consistent. The best approach thus seems is to present the various governmentally backed programs that are currently underway or planned and then to follow this with a presentation of those programs that are proceeding as private initiatives on a commercial or quasi-commercial or private institutional basis.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
References
Doug Caswell et al, ESTEC, “ConeXpress Orbital Life Extension Vehicle” http://www.esa.int/esapub/bulletin/bulletin127/bul127h_caswell.pdf
CleanSpace One--The First Orbital Vacuum Cleaner http://www.swissworld.org/en/know/innovation_switzerland/cleanspace_one_the_first_orbital_vacuum_cleaner/
“DEOS: A Robot serves Defective Satellites to Prevent Orbital Debris” Research in Germany (October 19, 2013) http://www.research-in-germany.de/dachportal/en/Research-Areas-A-Z/Space-Technology/Research-Projects/DEOS.html
“DEOS Phase A and B” http://www.spacetech-i.com/phase-a.html
Electro Dynamic Debris Eliminator http://www.star-tech-inc.com/id121.html
Intelsat picks MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. for satellite servicing http://www.dpncanada.com/Site-Content/More-News/Intelsat-picks-MacDonald-Dettwiler-and-Associates-Ltd.-for-satellite-servicing.html#sthash.Vd6IPi52.dpuf
“Lockheed Martin and Electro Optic Systems to Establish Space Debris Tracking Site In Western Australia” Lockheed Martin press release, August 25, 2014.
“MDA Terminates Space Infrastructure Servicing Agreement with Intelsat”, Space Ref (January 12, 2012) http://spaceref.ca/commercial-space/mda/mda-terminates-space-infrastructure-servicing-agreement-with-intelsat.html
NASA-Robotic Refueling Mission http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/778.html
“Orbital Express: Prototype Satellites Primed for In-Flight Servicing”, Space.com (Mar. 8, 2009) http://www.space.com/3546-orbital-express-prototype-satellites-primed-flight-service.html
Phoenix Makes Strides in Orbital Robotics and Satellite Architecture Research
Raven Autonomous Redezvous and Servicing http://ssco.gsfc.nasa.gov/Raven_Autonomous_Rendezvous.html
Space Servicing Efforts Grapple with Business Case, Space News, April 8, 2013
USAF Space Situational Awareness (SSA) Tracking Space Debris, August 26, 2014 Space Defense Industry Daily, http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/air-force-awards-first-phase-of-next-generation-space-fence-05511/
Vivisat Mission Extension Vehicle, January 2, 2013 http://www.vivisat.com/?attachment_id=477
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2015 Joseph Pelton
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Pelton, J.N. (2015). Current Space Debris Remediation and On-Orbit Servicing Initiatives. In: New Solutions for the Space Debris Problem. SpringerBriefs in Space Development. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-17151-7_2
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-17151-7_2
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-319-17150-0
Online ISBN: 978-3-319-17151-7
eBook Packages: Physics and AstronomyPhysics and Astronomy (R0)