ODIN Space comes closer to mapping sub-centimeter debris
Written by a human
UK-based space-tech startup ODIN Space announced last week that it had successfully tested its space debris sensor technology in Earth’s orbit. The successful demonstration of the technology’s operation has paved the way for collecting the first data on lethal, sub-centimeter space debris.
The test was conducted as part of the recent SpaceX Transporter 8 mission.
The sensor, which was hosted by space logistics and transportation leader D-Orbit onboard their ION satellite, had started capturing data from its surroundings and returned signals from space.
“It was great to watch the launch of our demo sensor onboard the SpaceX Transporter-8 mission last week,” said ODIN Space co-founder and CEO James News in a press release. “We’re excited to announce that our sensor has successfully powered up and is transmitting data.”
He added, “By understanding how lethal, sub-centimetre debris behaves, we can protect space assets, maximise growth and drive sustainability in space.”
By 2030, the space sector can lose billions of dollars every year because of space debris. Existing tracking technology can sense pieces bigger than 10 centimeters, but pieces of those sizes make up less than one percent.
“…over 99 per cent of debris is so small that it is invisible to existing tracking technology and is extremely destructive,” says the press release. “Even a 1 mm-sized piece of debris carries the energy of a bullet, making sub-centimetre (sub-cm) debris the single greatest threat to space-based infrastructure.”
ODIN Space took just two years to design, manufacture and launch its first sensor into space.
“It’s an incredible achievement,” said CEO News. “The ODIN Space team would like to take this opportunity to thank the UK Space Agency,ESA Business Incubation Centre United Kingdom, Innovate UK, and our investors for their support in this mission.”
The space-tech startup says it is now a step closer to creating a fully commercial sensor that can map debris as small as 0.1mm, measuring its location and size.
“It will also record data that’s never been captured before: the speed and trajectory of the debris,” says the company. “This information will enable ODIN Space to build dynamic models of how even the smallest pieces of debris are behaving and provide anyone operating in space with critical space situational awareness insights.”
