RIDDANCE: Removal of Irregular Debris using Double Assisted Nets with Controlled Enhancement

The increasing accumulation of space debris presents a significant threat to the sustainability of space operations. Over the years, this challenge has prompted the exploration of active debris removal strategies, with tether-nets emerging as one of the most promising technologies. Tether-net systems rely on flexible, lightweight nets that capture debris by entangling it, followed by towing the debris to a safer orbit or enabling its atmospheric re-entry. The RIDDANCE - Removal of Irregular Debris using Double Assisted Nets with Controlled Enhancement - system is a bolt-on double-net capture solution designed to safely and efficiently deorbit space debris. Phase I efforts focused on developing the mechanical design, net deployment dynamics, and control strategies necessary to achieve an effective debris removal solution. The work completed during Phase I successfully demonstrated the feasibility of the launching mechanism through laboratory testing, validating core design elements, including net deployment. However, further refinements are needed to improve deployment consistency and optimize autonomous operations to meet real-world conditions and mission requirements.