Sailing satellites help clean up space debris

Research shows there are currently more than 15,000 man-made objects in space, all of which can affect critical equipment such as communications, and endanger manned space flights. As such, the SSC is working with maxon motor on two experimental structural components that can be deployed after a satellite's mission is over. The first is an inflatable, rigidisable mast and the second is an ultra lightweight polymer sail. The sail is supported by four custom manufactured 'bistable' carbon fibre booms which are wound around a central hub. The booms are driven and controlled by maxon motor's GP 16C planetary gearheads, combined with 16mm brushless DC motors from the company's EC-max family. The ceramic components are wear and corrosion resistant for longer life and enable stability over a wide temperature range. The brushless DC motor and gearhead are fitted with high performance Braycote grease, which is non-flammable, suitable for extreme environments and chemically inert. It can also be used in a deep space vacuum. The InflateSail is expected to be tested within the next year. After the technology has been successfully demonstrated in space, the aim is to fit it to much larger satellites as an end-of-life deorbiting system. It is hoped that this will provide satellite operators with a means to meet the 25-year deorbiting guidelines, and in turn help safeguard the possibility of space flight for future generations.