The proliferation of space junk in low-Earth orbit poses a significant threat to the thousands of functioning satellites orbiting our planet, as well as to the crews aboard the International Space Station and China’s recently deployed orbital outpost. The NASA report in 2021 revealed that there are at least 26,000 pieces of space junk the size of a softball or larger that could destroy a satellite on impact, over 500,000 pieces the size of a marble that could cause damage to spacecraft or satellites, and over 100 million pieces the size of a grain of salt that could puncture a spacesuit. The junk comprises old rocket parts, decommissioned satellites, and fragments resulting from collisions between these objects.
NASA and its counterparts have been exploring various ways to get rid of the debris, with private companies developing systems to tackle the issue. One such company, TransAstra, has recently won a NASA contract worth $850,000 to manufacture a special capture bag designed to clear up the orbital junk. The bag developed by TransAstra uses inflatable struts that open to catch a piece of debris before closing again. The first demonstrations of the technology will take place on the ground, followed by a test mission in low-Earth orbit if successful. The bags can be of different sizes and can capture a wide range of debris, from small fragments and faulty CubeSats to spent rocket bodies and communications satellites. The system’s efficiency is enhanced by its ability to capture multiple pieces of debris with a single bag.
TransAstra is also exploring ways to transport the captured debris to an orbital processing plant being developed by ThinkOrbital, where useful parts could be recovered. This method is more fuel-efficient than transporting the debris to a low enough altitude where it would then burn up in Earth’s atmosphere. According to TransAstra’s CEO, Joel Sercel, the capture bag technology was originally designed for asteroid mining, but it is also ideal for orbital debris cleanup. The capture bag technology has the potential to make a significant impact on the space junk crisis, as it can efficiently and effectively clear up a wide range of debris.
TransAstra’s Innovative Capture Bag Technology to Combat Space Junk Crisis
The development of TransAstra’s capture bag technology offers a promising approach to addressing the space junk problem. The company’s innovative solution could play a crucial role in protecting our critical satellite infrastructure and ensuring the safety of space travelers. The growing volume of debris in low-Earth orbit makes it essential to develop effective solutions to this problem. The capture bag technology has the potential to be a game-changer in the field of space debris cleanup, and it is an important step towards addressing this pressing issue.
The solution offered by TransAstra is significant, as it has the potential to capture a wide range of debris, from small fragments to large objects. The company’s technology is designed to be efficient and cost-effective, making it an attractive solution for NASA and other space agencies. The capture bag technology also has the potential to be used for other applications, such as asteroid mining, which could provide a new source of resources for space exploration.
The space junk crisis is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention. The development of TransAstra’s capture bag technology offers a promising approach to addressing this problem. The company’s innovative solution has the potential to make a significant impact on the space junk crisis, and it is essential that we continue to develop and refine this technology to ensure the safety of our satellite infrastructure and the crew aboard the International Space Station.
