ESA's DRACO: Self-Destructing Satellite to Study Space Debris in Groundbreaking 2027 Mission
ESA to Launch Self-Destructing Satellite for Space Debris Study
The European Space Agency (ESA) has announced plans to launch a groundbreaking satellite mission in 2027, aimed at studying the process of satellite destruction during reentry into Earth’s atmosphere. This innovative project is part of ESA’s Zero Debris Charter initiative, which seeks to halt the creation of additional space debris by 2030.
The mission, named Destructive Reentry Assessment Container Object (DRACO), will involve sending a satellite into Earth’s orbit with the express purpose of observing its own destruction upon reentry. This unique approach is designed to provide crucial data on how satellites break apart, potentially leading to strategies for mitigating space debris.
DRACO, contracted to be built by aerospace engineering company Deimos, will be approximately the size of a washing machine and weigh around 200kg (441 pounds). The satellite will be equipped with 200 sensors and four cameras to capture detailed information during its descent.
A key feature of DRACO is a 40-centimeter capsule designed to survive the destruction process and transmit the collected data back to Earth. This capsule will face significant challenges, including deploying a parachute while tumbling through the atmosphere and transmitting data within a critical 20-minute window before impact.
To accurately simulate an uncontrolled reentry, DRACO will not include propulsion or navigation systems. This design choice reflects the conditions of an average satellite’s descent at the end of its operational life.
The ESA’s initiative comes at a crucial time, as the increasing number of satellites in Earth’s orbit raises concerns about space debris and its potential impact on future space missions. By studying the destruction process of satellites, the agency hopes to develop more effective methods for managing the end-of-life phase of orbital objects.
As the 2027 launch date approaches, the space community will be watching closely to see how this innovative mission unfolds and what insights it may provide for the future of space exploration and satellite technology.
