Space debris

Japan-based Astroscale has a rather interesting proposal to clear up space junk and orbital debris populating the low Earth orbit (LEO).

ELSA-M

Dubbed End of Life Services by Astroscale-Multiple (ELSA-M), the company's spacecraft is designed to capture and deorbit defunct satellites.

ELSA-M

In a video, Astroscale detailed how ESLA-M will work. First, the spacecraft surveys the defunct client satellite. It then aligns and docks with the satellite.

Disintegration

ELSA-M then employs its thrusters to lower the defunct satellite's orbit, putting it on a path where it will disintegrate as it re-enters Earth.

Demonstration

On every mission, ELSA-M will be able to capture and deorbit several inoperable satellites. The spacecraft's first demonstration will occur in 2024.