TeSeR to develop self-removal spacecraft
A new Horizon 2020-funded project is set to develop a prototype for a module capable of self-removal from orbit.
With the challenge of making low-Earth orbit space safer for future spacecraft, as well as future generations of spacefarers, the Technology for Self-Removal of Spacecraft (TeSeR) programme, introduced in May, is co-ordinated by Airbus Defence and Space. TeSeR will receive funding in excess of €2.8m through the EU’s research and innovation programme and will run until 2018.
A consortium of European partners that includes universities and firms from the UK, Germany, Denmark and Italy, is tasked with the development of innovative altitude control systems that allow defunct spacecraft to return safely to Earth.
Mathias Pikelj of Airbus Defence and Space said: “With the TeSeR project, Airbus Defence and Space reinforces its position at the forefront of the development of technologies which aim to tackle the space debris issue. Depending on the orbit, mass, shape and structure of a spacecraft, different removal technologies may be utilised. For example, heavy satellites in low-Earth orbit require a controlled re-entry over an uninhabited area whereas small satellites burn up in the atmosphere.
“A minimum level of autonomy – for instance, regarding power supply and communications – is necessary to ensure the removal in cases where a spacecraft suffers a complete in-service failure.”
TeSeR seeks innovative and cost-effective solutions to ongoing space debris challenges, which are increasing as nano and microtechnology, enabled by crowdfunding websites, etc. are enabling amateur involvement, as well as the increasing number of nations contributing to organisations such as the European Space Agency. By implementing designs for the post-mission disposal of satellites and multistage rockets, which are in line with or exceed international and European guidelines and legal requirements, TeSeR also aims to undertake a thorough analysis of existing removal concepts.
