The Russian Space Systems Holding (RSS), which is part of the state corporation Roscosmos, presented a project of a cleaning satellite for collecting and disposing of garbage in Earth's orbit.
The problem of space debris is becoming more and more acute every year. A large number of objects in orbit pose a significant threat to satellites, as well as to cargo and manned spacecraft.
In order to combat space debris, the RCC proposes to create a specialized apparatus equipped with two titanium nets for capturing unwanted objects in orbit. These can be failed small satellites, fragments of spacecraft and upper stages, and other operational debris.
A special cable system will allow the space cleaner to pull the captured objects and direct them to the two-roll shredder. Next, a drum-ball mill will come into play, in which the garbage will be processed to the state of a fine powder.
The main feature of the Russian development is that the resulting crushed waste will be used as a fuel component to support the operation of the space debris collector (SCM) itself.
βIt is planned to place a water regenerator on board the SCM, the principle of operation of which is based on the Sabatier reaction. This device, by means of a membrane-electrode block, will produce an oxidizing agent - oxygen and a fuel - hydrogen. These two substances will be mixed with powder from space debris and used as fuel for the onboard engine, which will be periodically turned on to, as the orbits are cleared of debris, raise the device higher and higher up to the disposal orbit of the device itself, βthe RKS said in a statement.
Source: 3dnews.ru