Orbital Debris Mitigation

In orbit objects travel at extremely fast speeds. At these speeds even the smallest pieces can cause serious problems to operational space assets. A fleck of paint nearly caused disaster in space when it impacted the space shuttle at over 17,000 miles per hour—nearly causing a hull breach and the deaths of all personnel on board. Had that object been only twice the size it may have resulted in catastrophe.

Orbital debris is a major problem to orbital space mission – even missions on their way for interplanetary missions are at risk. The problem will only grow exponentially as access to space become easier, cheaper and more frequent. Currently there are only to operational plans for reduction of space debris: de-orbit derelict satellites in low earth orbit (LEO) and transferring derelict satellites to a “graveyard” orbit for geosynchronous orbit. This method is little more than intentionally creating a ring of space junk around the plant.

XCATI offers two types of orbital debris mitigation services:

XCATI can provide for Orbital Debris Mitigation strategies for integration into a space mission plan. Using the protocols put forth in this section of the space mission plan will help reduce the debris the mission generates.

XCATI can serve clients by performing space missions designed to retrieve and/or dispose of derelict space vehicles from earth orbit—or beyond.