Project description
A propellant-less device for deorbiting satellites and mitigating the space debris problem
Current in-space propulsion technologies work under the law of action-reaction. Consequently, the propellant determines the satellite payload mass and mission lifetime. The EU-funded E.T.PACK envisages a new era in which satellites could deorbit without using on-board power and fuel. The project will develop a propellant-free device based on a low work-function tether that operates under different principles. Instead of carrying propellant, it produces a drag force by taking advantage of the natural space environment, which includes the geomagnetic field, the ambient plasma and the solar radiation. The device can prevent proliferation of space debris, one of the most important challenges the aerospace industry.
Fields of science
- engineering and technologymechanical engineeringvehicle engineeringaerospace engineeringastronautical engineeringspacecraft
- natural sciencesphysical sciencesplasma physics
- natural sciencesearth and related environmental sciencesatmospheric sciencesmeteorologysolar radiation
- natural sciencesphysical sciencesastronomyplanetary sciencesplanets
- engineering and technologymaterials engineeringcoating and films
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
RIA - Research and Innovation action
Coordinator
28903 Getafe (Madrid)
Spain
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Participants (6)
80686 Munchen
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35122 Padova
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01069 Dresden
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Participation ended
48930 Getxo
28925 Alcorcon
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
48930 Las Arenas
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