We’ve come a long way since the Space Age dawned in 1957, marked by the launch of the first satellite, Sputnik 1. In 2022 alone, a record 2,500 launches were conducted, highlighting the rapid advancements in this sector. Currently, there are approximately 10,000 objects in space, with projections estimating between 30,000 to 100,000 objects by 2030.
Space is indeed undergoing a paradigm shift, especially with telecommunications satellites. Would you believe an average citizen in the European Union relies on space-based services, such as weather forecasts, GPS, and television around 40 times per day?
The lower costs – cost per kilogram for launches to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) is decreasing tremendously – along with the increased accessibility have allowed a multitude of new players, including private companies and smaller nations, to participate in space exploration and exploitation. However, with two-thirds of these satellites expected to be placed in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), space congestion has emerged as one of the most significant challenges of our century.
Challenge: The Kessler Syndrome
Space congestion implies a heightened risk of collisions. Consider the impact of a debris fragment just 1 centimeter in size hitting a solar panel at 10 meters per second; the damage could be substantial.
As satellites reach the end of their operational lives, along with rocket bodies and thousands of other space objects, the risk of collision grows exponentially. Each collision generates thousands of debris fragments, which scatter across different orbits. Per ESA, there is currently 130 million space debris objects between 1mm and 1cm. This can create a chain reaction, potentially leading to a scenario known as the Kessler Syndrome, where the amount of debris reaches a critical threshold. This would render space not only unusable for the 40 times per day it serves an average EU citizen, but potentially unusable altogether.
Future: How can space be sustainable in such a context?
Even with advanced space surveillance capabilities both on the ground and in orbit, avoiding collisions remains extremely challenging. There is currently no regulation specifying which satellite should perform a maneuver in the event of a potential collision and many space objects, such as nano satellites, don’t even have the capability to maneuver. The lack of standardization and coordination in collision avoidance maneuvers exacerbates the issue. Without clear protocols and international cooperation, the risk of inadvertent collisions will remain high.
In such a context, what technologies are needed to ensure space sustainability in the long term?
Solution: In-Space Servicing Assembly and Manufacturing
Technological progress in spacecraft life extension, debris removal, space operations autonomy, and robotics will disrupt the traditional paradigm of space. Future space missions with a new generation of spacecraft designed specifically for In-space Servicing Assembly and Manufacturing (ISAM) in order to develop a responsible, safe, and commercially viable space industry, is leading this change. ISAM encompasses a wide range of in-space capabilities, including:
- Space Situational Awareness and Space Object Inspection and Relocation: Recycling space debris and managing space traffic are crucial for maintaining a sustainable space environment. These capabilities allow for the identification, tracking, and analysis of space objects, enabling more informed decision-making regarding collision avoidance and debris management.
- Servicing: Modifying or resupplying spacecraft can extend the operational life of satellites, reducing the need for frequent replacements and launches. This includes refueling, repairing, and upgrading existing satellites to enhance their functionality and longevity.
- Assembly: Aggregating or connecting pre-manufactured components in space allows for the construction of larger and more complex structures that would be impossible to launch as a single unit. This capability can lead to the development of space stations, habitats, and other infrastructure critical for long-term space exploration and commercialization.
- Manufacturing: Transforming raw materials into components, products, or infrastructure directly in space opens new possibilities for resource utilization and sustainability. In-space manufacturing can reduce the dependency on Earth-based supply chains, lower launch costs, and enable the production of bespoke parts tailored to specific mission needs.
Dassault Systèmes with its aerospace & defense solutions is at the forefront of this technology, since it has a stellar legacy to defy the limits and to:
| INNOVATE | REINVENT | LEAD |
| Accelerate iterations to develop and deliver ISAM capabilities right the first time | Accelerate iterations to develop and deliver ISAM capabilities right the first time | Pioneer progress on ISAM technology to transform new space products and services |
In order to learn how new space players can progress ISAM technology to achieve a resilient space economy, download Dassault Systèmes’ solution-based white paper outlining:
- The current state of space technology and ISAM
- The challenges to ISAM technology progression
- How to develop an active ISAM ecosystem
- The vital role Dassault Systèmes solutions and legacy play
- Solutions in action
Chart the trajectory to a mature and successful ISAM ecosystem
These advancements in ISAM technologies promise to revolutionize the space industry by making it more sustainable and resilient. By enabling the repair, upgrade and recycling of space assets, we can mitigate the growing problem of space debris and extend the lifecycle of valuable space infrastructure. Furthermore, the ability to assemble and manufacture in space will drive innovation and economic growth, paving the way for new industries and applications that were previously unimaginable.
As we look toward the future, international collaboration and regulatory frameworks will be essential to harness the full potential of ISAM technologies. Establishing norms and standards for space operations, along with robust mechanisms for data sharing and cooperation, will be crucial in addressing the challenges of space congestion and ensuring the long-term sustainability of space activities. With the right combination of technological innovation, policy development, and global cooperation, we can navigate the complexities of space challenges and build a thriving and sustainable space economy for generations to come.