- EADS are proposing to add sails to satellites
EADS (European Aeronautic Defence and Space company) have come up with an idea to reduce the number of future satellites from turning into space junk. The idea proposed by EADS is the addition of “sails” such that orbiting satellites could passively drag themselves back to earth when no longer required.
The system is called IDEAS (Innovative DEorbiting Aerobrake System). The current idea would be to remotely activate a series of booms which hold gossamer sails, which would increase the drag acting upon the satellite, thus reducing its orbital velocity and slowly reducing its orbit until it falls back down to earth. While typical orbital decay takes anytime between 50 and 100 years, satellites equipped with IDEAS wold return in less than 25 years.
EADS is currently developing and IDEAS system for a French satellite, Microscope which will complete its mission within the span of a year. Since Microscope is not fitted with any orbital thrusters, the IDEAS system will help it leave orbit such that it will reduce the potential for collisions with other space craft.
EADS is also flirting with the idea of configuring an IDEAS system which could be retro-fitted to current space junk, helping to reduce the current junk heap of un-used and old space craft etc.
My only concern with this would be the ability to keep track of all this falling junk. Maybe we should all walk round with helmets on just in case.. 