European Space Agency Demonstrates New Method of Satellite Disposal
The European Space Agency (ESA) successfully conducted a “deft” re-entry of its Aeolus satellite into Earth’s atmosphere on Friday, utilizing a new method of post-mission disposal to ensure safe removal from space. The “assisted re-entry” was seen as a significant step forward in the agency’s commitment to space stewardship.
The Aeolus satellite, weighing around 1.1 metric tons, had operated in space for five years. However, when the mission was conceived in the late 1990s, there were no guidelines for European satellites regarding space debris or safe re-entry. Given this, the satellite was not equipped with the capability for targeted re-entry or a propulsion system to direct its descent. As a result, it was estimated that approximately 20 percent of the spacecraft would have survived re-entry and landed on Earth’s surface.
In April, officials decided to end Aeolus’s science mission and explore a new approach to dispose of the satellite. With some fuel remaining, a series of thruster firings was carried out to steer the satellite toward a re-entry corridor over the Atlantic Ocean, far from any populated areas. This ensured that the satellite would burn up upon re-entry.
Holger Krag, head of ESA’s safety office, remarked on the uniqueness of the assisted re-entry, comparing it to the Skylab space station’s re-entry in 1979. While NASA attempted to control the location of Skylab’s descent, it was scattered across Western Australia due to limited guidance and control. By contrast, ESA’s efforts demonstrated a higher level of control with the best standards available today.
Simonetta Cheli, ESA’s director for Earth observation, expressed hopes that the agency’s commitment to tackling space debris and the dangers of uncontrolled re-entry would set an example for other space agencies and commercial companies.
Aeolus was a pioneering Earth science mission that measured wind speeds using a laser instrument. Its success led to the incorporation of its data into operational weather forecast models. Despite numerous challenges, including delays and technology development, the mission proved invaluable and paved the way for a follow-up mission called Aeolus 2.
The successful disposal of the Aeolus satellite serves as an important milestone for the ESA as it continues to prioritize the responsible use of space and seeks innovative solutions to address the growing issue of space debris. The agency’s partnership with a Swiss company for a future mission to remove space junk further demonstrates its commitment to ensuring the long-term sustainability of space activities.