The European Space Agency (ESA) and Switzerland-based ClearSpace have started the Prelude technology demonstration mission.
Planned for launch next year, Prelude will test and validate close-up maneuvers and navigation between two spacecraft for future satellite inspection, life extension, and debris-removal missions in space.
ClearSpace is working closely with the ESA on projects such as ClearSpace-1, which will demonstrate active debris removal operations in orbit, and Phoenix, a program developing ways to main satellites in orbits and extend their lifetimes.
Ground-based tracking systems identify about 40,000 debris objects larger than a smartphone in orbit currently, and the ESA estimates that there are around 1.1 million objects larger than 1cm. Experts warn that debris fields pose a growing threat to the success of space missions and satellite operations – debris removal and in-orbit servicing are seen as ways of combating this problem.
Prelude will demonstrate close-up spacecraft maneuvers
As part of Prelude, two small spacecraft will carry out complex maneuvers together in orbit using highly accurate tracking and navigation systems that combine the use of sensors and cameras, allowing them to move with complete freedom in every direction.
By validating these technologies work in practice, the mission will enable future space tasks like extending, removing, or fixing satellites.
Although the Phoenix and ClearSpace-1 missions present differences, there are synergies in certain required technologies and ClearSpace-1 can also benefit from the experience acquired through Prelude,
Luc Piguet, CEO of ClearSpace said, “Prelude is as a critical de-risking mission whose primary objective is to validate the extensive groundwork done to enable the large Phoenix GEO life extension mission. Its key focus is to validate proximity operations technologies at meter-level distances.
“It does not include the robotic technologies to capture the object.”
Within a year of Prelude’s completion, ClearSpace expects that the provision of a recurring in-orbit inspection service will be possible.
“Our technologies are moving from development to delivery,” Piguet added. “This marks a tangible step toward making safe and sustainable operations part of everyday space activity.”
Prelude’s objectives are:
- Validate reusable operational building blocks for close-proximity maneuvers under real mission conditions
- Collect comprehensive autonomous navigation and safety data at the required precision
- Demonstrate and refine repeatable operational concepts essential for future servicing and debris-removal missions
ClearSpace was founded in 2018 and has offices in Switzerland, the UK, Germany, and Luxembourg, and is developing technologies for satellite disposal, inspection, and life extension.
