Space debris threatens! Würzburg team develops innovative satellite solution

Space debris threatens! Würzburg team develops innovative satellite solution

The dangers of space debris are becoming increasingly critical, especially for the functionality of international space travel. The focus is on old satellites and debris, which pose collision risks for both active spacecraft and the crew of the International Space Station (ISS). An international research team coordinated by the University of Würzburg and the Technical University of Berlin is working on a promising project to address this challenge. Under the project name “gEICko: Gecko based Innovative Capture Kit for uncooperative and unprepared Orbital assets”, a satellite is being developed that is intended to specifically remove space debris. The European Union has provided funding of four million euros as part of the EIC Pathfinder, of which almost 700,000 euros are earmarked for Würzburg.

The problem is explosive: There are over 50,000 scrap objects with a diameter of at least ten centimeters circulating in Earth's orbit, and their number is constantly growing, due, among other things, to collisions and explosions. In order to avoid future collisions, the ISS has already had to carry out evasive maneuvers several times. The present technology aims to efficiently interact with these uncooperative objects through a novel docking system, which has not yet been achieved. The complexity of these operations increases with the size and orbit of the target objects.

Innovative solutions through Gecko technology

The solution that the research team is aiming for is based on the adhesive principle of geckos' feet. These animals use billions of fine hairs to stick to vertical and smooth surfaces. A docking system was designed for the satellite using special gecko materials attached to the satellite's contact surface. These materials use van der Waals forces, which enable adhesion even without an electrical charge. The satellite, also called a “chaser”, docks with the target objects and can specifically change their orbits so that they can be removed from Earth’s orbit.

In addition, it is planned that the Gecko satellite will also be able to reach working satellites to carry out maintenance work. This could help extend the lifespan of existing technologies while minimizing waste in space. Special ropes and drilling equipment inspired by the wood wasp are used to ensure the efficiency of the operations.

The role of CubeSats and market forecasts

In parallel to these developments, the CubeSat industry is showing remarkable growth rates. Around 200 new companies have been founded in the last five years, and the European market for CubeSats will grow to $35.4 billion by 2033, at a CAGR of 12%. The modular designs and integration of new technologies such as quantum sensors and hypersonic propulsion are revolutionizing the possibilities in space travel.

The increasing importance of CubeSats is reflected in various trends that are boosting the space industry. The diversification of applications in areas such as energy monitoring and defense is supported by EU funding programs and private investments in startups. Developments in CubeSat technology could also have a positive impact on projects such as the gEICko initiative by promoting cost-effective and innovative approaches.

Prof. Dr. Enrico Stoll, a leading scientist on the project, has been working for a decade on the adhesive principle that is now being applied to this technology. The goal is to develop a functional prototype of the docking mechanism by the end of the three-year funding period, with an optimistic forecast for the deployment of the Gecko satellites in approximately ten years.

Efforts to clean up space debris are not only innovative, but also urgently needed to ensure the safety of current and future spacecraft. The challenge remains great, but the progress made through projects like “gEICko” could be crucial for the future of space exploration.

For more information see University of Würzburg, scinexx and editorialge.