// ORBITAL LOGISTICS AND PROPULSION TERM
Active Debris Removal
Active Debris Removal (ADR) is the process of actively capturing and removing defunct satellites or other dangerous space junk from orbit to prevent collisions.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Active Debris Removal (ADR) is a proposed or nascent capability involving the deliberate capture and deorbiting of non-functional satellites or other hazardous space debris from Earth's orbit to mitigate collision risks and preserve the space environment.
BACKGROUND
Space debris are defunct human-made objects in space – principally in Earth orbit – which no longer serve a useful function. These include derelict spacecraft, mission-related debris, and fragmentation debris from the breakup of derelict rocket bodies and spacecraft. In addition to derelict human-made objects left in orbit, space debris includes fragments from disintegration, erosion, or collisions; solidified liquids expelled from spacecraft; unburned particles from solid rocket motors; and even paint flecks. Space debris represents a risk to spacecraft.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Space Junk Removal
- Orbital Debris Cleanup
- Debris Mitigation (Active)
USAGE NOTE
ADR is a complex technical and regulatory challenge, but essential for the long-term sustainability of space operations.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Active Debris Removal.
Astroscale is a leading company dedicated to the long-term sustainability of space, developing services and technologies to remove space debris and extend the life of satellites. Their projects include ELSA-d and ELSA-M for active debris removal and end-of-life services.
ClearSpace is a Swiss spin-off company from EPFL developing technologies for in-orbit servicing, including active debris removal. They are leading the ClearSpace-1 mission, commissioned by ESA, to remove a derelict space debris object from orbit.
ESA is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to space exploration. Through its Space Safety Programme, ESA is actively researching and developing technologies for space debris removal, including commissioning missions like ClearSpace-1.
Northrop Grumman, a major aerospace and defense technology company, is involved in developing satellite servicing technologies that can be adapted for active debris removal, including robotic arms and proximity operations for in-orbit repair and refueling, which lay groundwork for ADR.
JAXA is Japan's national aerospace and space agency. They have been researching and developing various concepts for active debris removal, including electrodynamic tethers and robotic systems, and collaborating on projects like Astroscale's ELSA-d.
While primarily known for propulsion systems and mission design software, Exotrail is contributing to the ecosystem that enables active debris removal through high-performance electric propulsion systems vital for maneuvering and de-orbiting operations in ADR missions.
Orbit Fab is developing in-orbit refueling services, which, while not direct debris removal, contributes significantly to the space economy's sustainability by extending satellite lifespans and reducing the need for new launches, indirectly mitigating future debris generation and enabling more complex ADR missions.