A Ready-to-Fly Deorbit Device Based on Electrodynamic Tether Technology

Introduction

Electrodynamic tethers are long conductors in orbit that enable spacecraft to de-orbit and/or re-boost without using propellant. After designing, manufacturing, and testing a prototype of a Deorbit Device (DD) in the FET E.T.PACK project and reaching TRL 4, E.T.PACK-F faces the next natural step: prepare a ready-to-fly DD based on electrodynamic tether technology to perform, immediately after the project, an in-orbit demonstration (IOD).

Collaboration and Agreements

The two large companies of the team, SENER Aeroespacial and RFA, play the roles of DD product developer and end-user, respectively. They have signed a Launch Service Agreement for this first flight.

Innovative Products

The DD involves several tether-related products that have, by their own, a high innovative and commercialization potential. These products are mainly owned/generated by the three universities of the team (UC3M, UNIPD, TUD) and include:

1. A software for tether mission analysis
2. A heater-less electron emitter for electric propulsion applications
3. A cold gas system
4. Miniaturized avionics
5. Onboard software for the attitude determination and control of small spacecraft
6. A deployment mechanism and damper for tether applications

Business Model Development

In parallel with technology development activities, a business model for E.T.PACK-F technologies and consortium structures for their later commercialization will be created. This may include:

• A Joint Venture
• A startup
• Technology licensing

Contact with potential clients, investors, and policy-makers will be established to validate the business model and prepare the products for the future needs of the market.

Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

This entrepreneurial ecosystem, made of interlinked space products, strong industry-academia collaboration, and an end user, is driven by the IOD, which can place all the products in a pre-commercial state.

Market Opportunities

Tethers can help Europe to create and strengthen new markets in space debris deorbiting and in-orbit servicing. They can also disrupt existing markets on spacecraft re-boost and station keeping, and open new opportunities for planetary explorations.