ClearSpace Debris Removal Mission Passes Key Milestones angielski

A space debris removal mission being developed by Swiss startup ClearSpace has passed a pair of milestones as part of its environmental test campaign.

ClearSpace-1 is an active debris removal mission that aims to capture and deorbit a Vega payload adapter that was launched in 2013 carrying three satellites. To capture its 112-kilogram target, the spacecraft will employ four robotic arms. The spacecraft, with its captured payload adapter secured, will then be deorbited with both burning up in the atmosphere.

The Swiss startup announced earlier today that the ClearSpace-1 spacecraft had completed two major milestones as part of its environmental test campaign, namely, the completion of the vibration and thermal vacuum chamber tests. These tests are vital to ensure that the spacecraft is able to stand up to the conditions during its launch and operation once it is deployed into orbit.