DebrisSat-1 & 2

Launch data:

Spacecraft data:

Description:

• REMDEB-NET (RemoveDEBRIS, RemDeb) is a microsatellite built by SSTL to perform key Active Debris Removal (ADR) technology demonstrations (e.g capture, deorbiting) representative of an operational scenario during a low-cost mission using novel key technologies for ADR.

Mission details:

• Surrey′s RemoveDebris satellite began active operations in September 2018. On Sep 16, 2018 at 2306 UTC the satellite ejected a 2U cubesat, DebrisSat-1.
  RemoveDebris then fired a net at the tumbling satellite; the net wrapped around DebrisSat, increasing its drag coefficient - which will accelerate its reentry.
• The Surrey RemoveDebris spacecraft ejected its second cubesat subsatellite, DebrisSat-2, at 06:15 UTC on Oct 28, 2018. RemDeb then observed DebrisSat-2 with its laser ranging instrument, a test of so-called Vision-Based Navigation (VBN) that could be used by an active debris removal mission to approach its target.