After 55 years of hurling satellites into orbit, isn't it time to
clean up after ourselves? Scientists at the Swiss Federal Institute of
Technology of Lausanne have an idea.
They're planning a prototype craft
called CleanSpace One that will approach a defunct satellite or spent
rocket stage, secure the debris with a grappling arm, and then trigger a
plunge through the atmosphere, incinerating both itself and its cargo.
(Eventually, the cleanup craft may be reusable.) The effort isn't
strictly altruistic: The risk posed by orbiting debris is driving up the
cost of satellite insurance. The first target is likely to be one of
Switzerland's only two satellites, the oldest of which entered orbit in
2009.
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