Two major themes for the space sector in recent years have been the recognition of space debris as a critical threat to future and on-going missions, and the growth in the number of small satellite (10-500 kg) missions, and satellites in general.
The proliferation of small satellites has invited commercialisation and subsequently, the growing number of satellites are adding to the already high number of objects currently in low-Earth orbit (LEO). Now is the time to act and ensure future satellites aren’t destined to become space debris.
In response to the growing number of small satellites unable to de-orbit from LEO within 25 years, Cranfield University has developed a family of drag augmentation systems (DAS). The DAS are lightweight, cost-effective sails deployed at end of mission, increasing the drag area of a spacecraft, minimising the de-orbit period and thus reducing the probability of significant collisions. They are reliable solutions for deorbiting small satellites, assisting in the conservation of the space environment. Three drag sails designed, manufactured and tested at Cranfield University are currently in orbit, with two sails already successfully deployed.
The Low Earth Orbit Negligible Impact Drag Augmentation Systems (LEOniDAS) team is comprised of masters and doctoral students from Ireland, Spain, Canada and Italy, currently studying at Cranfield University, passionate about the remediation of the growing and concerning issue of space debris. LEOniDAS aims to aid in the further development of the DAS family, including a more scalable and adaptable hybrid design. Through the Fly Your Thesis! parabolic flights, the team will qualify the new design for deployment in microgravity, assess the scalability of the sails, test new boom materials, study the impact of deployment on the host satellite, and validate a ground-based microgravity test setup for future microgravity testing. Novespace’s Airbus A-310 ZERO-G platform will give the team multiple deployment opportunities, needed to qualify new design variables, and will allow the team to observe the deployment process in a similar environment to in-orbit conditions.
This experiment will lend credibility to the DAS concept, further accelerating the maturation and commercialisation of the devices. The DAS technology has a strong enabling potential for future space activities, allowing satellites to operate responsibly and sustainably, and ensuring we are preserving space for the future.
Do you want to get regular updates on the progress of the experiment LEOniDAS? Follow the team on social media: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
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