Scotland’s University of Strathclyde to develop new technology for removing satellites debris

University of Strathclyde in Scotland has been selected to participate in the Technology for Self-Removal of Spacecraft (TeSeR) project, which will develop a new technology to remove satellite debris from space.

The two-year €2.8m project is led by Airbus Defence & Space, with funding from the European Commission.

TeSeR will conduct initial research to develop the prototype of a reliable, cost-efficient removal module, which will also ensure the remval of future spacecraft at the end of their supposed operational lifetime.

It could also function as a removal back-up in the event the spacecraft loses control.

The technology aims to reduce the risk of colliding with space debris, as well as prevent its generation.

On behalf of Strathclyde, the university’s Scottish Centre of Excellence in Satellite Applications director Dr Malcolm Macdonald is leading the project.

Macdonald said: "Satellites play a major role in our economy and in helping us to monitor our environment. However, they do have a finite working life and once this is over, they can become part of the major problem of space debris.

"The TeSeR project is exploring innovative solutions for clearing up space and reducing the risks presented by space debris. Strathclyde has extensive expertise in this field and we look forward to playing a significant role in this research."

The project also has several other partners, including Aalborg University, Denmark; Beazley Furlonge, UK; D-orbit, Italy; GOMspace, Denmark; Universität der Bundeswehr München, Germany; and others.

The University of Glasgow is also participating on a sub-contract to Strathclyde.

Strathclyde has also participated in a project that developed an agricultural monitoring system based on previously developed technology for use in exploration on Mars.

The project for the AgriRover device is funded through the UK Space Agency’s International Partnerships Space Programme (IPSP).