![](\"http:\/\/www.esa.int\/var\/esa\/storage\/images\/esa_multimedia\/images\/2017\/01\/e.deorbit_s_robotic_arm\/16604478-3-eng-GB\/e.Deorbit_s_robotic_arm_small.jpg\")
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\nESA\u2019s proposed e.Deorbit mission, shown left, using a robotic arm to catch a derelict satellite \u2013 the baseline capture method for what would be the world\u2019s first active space debris removal mission, in 2024.\n<\/p>\n
\nThe Agency\u2019s member state ministers in December strongly supported a \u2018maturation phase\u2019 for e.Deorbit<\/a>, to foster the various advanced technologies required to make the mission feasible, from autonomous guidance to advanced images processing, along with a suitable capture mechanism.\n<\/p>\n \nThe mission would first rendezvous with a large, drifting ESA satellite, then capture and secure it safely ahead of steering the combination down for a controlled burn-up in the atmosphere.\n<\/p>\n \nAs well as the baselined robot arm, additional capture technologies are being investigated, including a net<\/a> and harpoon<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n \nIn any case, grappling the derelict satellite would have to be done in a very rapid and precise manner to prevent e.Deorbit and its target rebounding apart.\n<\/p>\n \nThe mission<\/a>, being developed through ESA\u2019s Clean Space initiative \u2013 tasked with safeguarding terrestrial and orbital environments \u2013 will be proposed for final agreement at ESA\u2019s next Council at Ministerial Level, in 2019. It will place European industry at the forefront of the world\u2019s active debris removal efforts and multipurpose space tugs.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" \nESA’s proposed e.Deorbit mission, shown left, using a robotic arm to catch a derelict satellite – the baseline capture method for what would be the world’s first active space debris removal mission, in 2024.\n<\/p>\n \nThe Agency’s member state ministers in December strongly supported a ‘maturation phase’ for e.Deorbit<\/a>, to foster the various advanced technologies required to make the mission feasible, from autonomous guidance to advanced images processing, along with a suitable capture mechanism.\n<\/p>\n \nThe mission would first rendezvous with a large, drifting ESA satellite, then capture and secure it safely ahead of steering the combination down for a controlled burn-up in the atmosphere.\n<\/p>\n \nAs well as the baselined robot arm, additional capture technologies are being investigated, including a net<\/a> and harpoon<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n \nIn any case, grappling the derelict satellite would have to be done in a very rapid and precise manner to prevent e.Deorbit and its target rebounding apart.\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n