Project description
Contactless space debris removal solution
The rapid increase in the number of satellites and other spacecraft has resulted in space debris. Space pollution makes launching novel spacecraft more challenging due to the need for more complex calculations and navigation. It leads to more hazardous conditions for current satellites, potentially creating situations that could result in increasingly dangerous satellite debris. The EU-funded ALBATOR project will develop a contactless approach for space debris removal, utilising an ion beam shepherd methodology that employs momentum transfer from a collimated, multiply-charged plasma beam. The project will develop and validate an innovative electron cyclotron resonance (ECR)-like ion beam system, along with the necessary components to enable its implementation.
Objective
Space pollution from satellite debris poses a critical challenge for the sustainability of space operations and traffic management. To address this, several concepts for space debris removal are being explored, including both contact-based and contactless methods. Contact-based solutions are especially complex due to the unpredictable motion of space debris, which could easily damage or destroy these systems during retrieval attempts. ALBATOR, a contactless approach, proposes the use of the Ion Beam Shepherd method, which relies on momentum transfer from a collimated, multiply-charged plasma beam. The project focuses on designing and developing an Electron Cyclotron Resonance (ECR)-like ion beam system, along with the necessary electronics, including RF power systems, high-voltage components, command and control systems, and gas regulation units. To achieve that ambition, ALBATOR will optimize the ion beam system by gaining a deep understanding of plasma discharge and plume expansion physics. It will create advanced models to simulate plasma discharge and its interaction with debris, accounting for factors such as multiply-charged ions, electromagnetic wave behavior, and materials interactions like sputtering, which influence momentum transfer.
A series of vacuum chamber tests will be conducted to characterize the ion beam's properties, such as ion current, energy, and composition, under simulated space conditions. Additionally, the interaction of the ion beam with various satellite materials will be studied to assess its effectiveness in momentum transfer. The system’s versatility will also be tested using different propellants.
The results from these tests will contribute to simulations of various mission scenarios, including debris deorbiting and detumbling. These findings will help build synergies with other debris remediation strategies, such as harpoons or nets, ultimately creating a comprehensive solution portfolio to secure on-orbit space operations.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering control systems
- natural sciences physical sciences theoretical physics particle physics particle accelerator
- engineering and technology mechanical engineering vehicle engineering aerospace engineering satellite technology
- natural sciences earth and related environmental sciences environmental sciences pollution
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.3.1 - The European Innovation Council (EIC)
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Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
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Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-EIC-2024-PATHFINDERCHALLENGES-01
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35070 Bruz
France
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