AAC Clyde Space has been selected by Astroscale UK Ltd. to co-engineer their satellite platform for a UK-based space debris removal program known as End-of-Life Services by Astroscale (ELSA-M) — the contract, valued at £260,000, is expected to be completed by the start of 2022.
The ELSA program is a spacecraft retrieval service for satellite operators. ELSA-d (demonstration) is the first mission to demonstrate the core technologies necessary for debris docking and removal. After capturing our learning from ELSA-d demonstrations in 2021, we will mature our technologies with our ELSA-M program, in partnership with OneWeb, the UK Space agency and the European Space Agency. M, which stands for for multi-client servicer, will explore the technology and capability required to remove multiple pieces of debris in a single mission, with a goal to launching our commercial debris removal services by 2024.
AAC Clyde Space will design and update its Starbuck power subsystem, Sirius avionics and other systems to meet the requirements of this specific mission.
“Astroscale’s ELSA-M program will build on the technology and capability of the ELSA-d demonstration debris removal mission this year. The ELSA-M servicer will be optimised to remove multiple pieces of debris in a single mission, from Low Earth Orbit, and ensure that next generation telecommunication satellite missions can de-orbit safely,” explained Managing Director of Astroscale UK and Group Chief Commercial Officer, John Auburn.
“Traffic in Low Earth Orbit is expected to increase exponentially over the coming decade. In order for the space economy to progress effectively, and safely, the industry needs to adopt new practices to minimise space debris. We are happy to help to create pioneering solutions that support Astroscale’s efforts to actively remove debris from the small satellite space highways,” said AAC Clyde Space CEO Luis Gomes.
Founded in 2013, Astroscale is developing sustainable space systems and plans to mitigate the growing and hazardous build-up of debris in space. Astroscale UK has been defining the business case for debris removal services since 2017, leading the Mission Operations and commercialization of the company’s End-of-Life services, including developing the ELSA-M multi-client service development. ELSA-M was recently funded by the UK Space Agency, European Space Agency and OneWeb ‘Sunrise’ program award.